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Resolution

n. hopeful, thoughtful formal

What it means

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.

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.

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.

Words to choose between 10

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom, and by meaning across. Tap a word to see when it fits.
Meaning 1Meaning 2Meaning 3
everyday
warm
professional
formal

Meaning 1: A firm decision or determination to act.

  • everyday

    decision

    Fits when choosing among options is the plain fact

    Careful A decision may be tentative and lacks resolution's firmness.

  • warm

    determination

    Fits when firmness and persistence are the personal quality

    Careful Determination need not take the form of a specific decision.

  • professional

    commitment

    Fits when an obligation over time matters

    Careful Commitment can be shared without a single decisive moment.

  • formal

    resolve

    Fits when steady inner purpose is central

    Careful Resolve is a quality and may lack a stated action.

Meaning 2: A solution or conclusion that settles a problem or dispute.

  • professional

    settlement

    Fits when parties formally end a dispute

    Careful Settlement can be a compromise that solves no underlying cause.

  • professional

    solution

    Fits when the problem is practically answered

    Careful A solution can be proposed without settling the parties.

  • formal

    conclusion

    Fits when discussion or inquiry reaches an end

    Careful A conclusion can identify failure without resolving it.

Meaning 3: A formal decision adopted by a group or authority.

  • professional

    measure

    Fits when the adopted action or rule matters

    Careful Measure is broad and can describe legislation beyond a resolution.

  • professional

    motion

    Fits when a proposal is formally put before a body

    Careful A motion is not a resolution until adopted.

  • formal

    declaration

    Fits when an authoritative public statement is central

    Careful A declaration may not record a vote or decision.

Opposites 4

  • indecision
  • impasse
  • dispute
  • rejection

Common phrases 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.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated