Resolution
n.hopeful, thoughtfulformal
Meaning 1
A firm decision or determination to act.
Reach for it when naming settled commitment that is meant to guide behavior
Her resolution to publish the results survived two uncomfortable meetings.
Choose between these
4- everyday
decision
when choosing among options is the plain fact
not when A decision may be tentative and lacks resolution's firmness.
- warm
when firmness and persistence are the personal quality
not when Determination need not take the form of a specific decision.
- professional
when an obligation over time matters
not when Commitment can be shared without a single decisive moment.
- formal
when steady inner purpose is central
not when Resolve is a quality and may lack a stated action.
Meaning 2
A solution or conclusion that settles a problem or dispute.
Reach for it when naming the workable end of uncertainty or conflict
Shared ownership of the path became the resolution both farms could accept.
Choose between these
3- professional
settlement
when parties formally end a dispute
not when Settlement can be a compromise that solves no underlying cause.
- professional
when the problem is practically answered
not when A solution can be proposed without settling the parties.
- formal
conclusion
when discussion or inquiry reaches an end
not when A conclusion can identify failure without resolving it.
Meaning 3
A formal decision adopted by a group or authority.
Reach for it when describing an official statement that records collective intent
The council adopted a resolution protecting public access to the shore.
Choose between these
3- professional
measure
when the adopted action or rule matters
not when Measure is broad and can describe legislation beyond a resolution.
- professional
motion
when a proposal is formally put before a body
not when A motion is not a resolution until adopted.
- formal
declaration
when an authoritative public statement is central
not when A declaration may not record a vote or decision.
Said against
4- indecision
- impasse
- dispute
- rejection
It naturally appears in
4- firm resolution
A firm resolution kept the team focused on the safety work.
- peaceful resolution
Mediation produced a peaceful resolution before planting season.
- pass a resolution
Delegates voted to pass a resolution on transparent funding.
- conflict resolution
The training treats conflict resolution as a practical skill.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English noun sense 1: firmness of purpose or a resolved intention opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- wiktionary, English noun sense 2: settlement or solution opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- wiktionary, English noun sense 3: a formal decision or expression of opinion opens in a new tab for meaning 3 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.