What does resolved mean?
Resolved means firm, settled, or brought to a clear conclusion. When applied to a person, it describes someone who has reached a definite decision and is unlikely to be swayed: a resolved negotiator remains calm and committed to a position. When applied to a dispute, problem, or practical difficulty, it indicates that the matter has been successfully dealt with. The word commonly appears in formal and professional language, such as “the case was resolved” or “she remained resolved to pursue the matter.” Although it sometimes conveys firmness or determination, it is generally less forceful than “resolute,” which places stronger emphasis on courage and persistence. Its past-participle use also links it directly to the verb “resolve,” meaning to settle a problem or reach a decision. The word is useful where an ordinary expression such as “fixed” or “settled” might sound too informal for a report, legal account, or formal account of negotiations.
Having reached a firm decision or settled outcome; determined and unyielding.
"The delegation was resolved to continue negotiating despite the setback."
The determination sense is especially common in formal writing.
The past tense and past participle of resolve.
"The engineers resolved the fault before restoring full service."
In this form, the word usually indicates that a dispute, difficulty, or practical problem has been settled.
Resolved comes from Latin resolvere, meaning “to untangle” or “to loosen”: a problem becomes resolved when its entanglements are worked out.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resolved come from?
The English verb resolve came through Old French from Latin resolvere, a compound of re- and solvere, both meaning “to loosen” or “unbind.” Its earlier sense of untangling a matter led to the modern meanings of settling a dispute and reaching a decision. The form resolved reflects the regular English past-tense and past-participle ending, while related words include resolution and resolute.
Related word forms
How resolved is actually used
Resolved is common in formal and professional contexts. It can describe either a settled matter or a person's firm purpose, but “resolved to do something” focuses on determination, whereas “an issue is resolved” focuses on completion.
Easily confused with resolved
Resolved describes a person who has reached a firm decision, whereas resolute describes someone who is firmly determined to act despite difficulty.