resolution Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote
    resolve; declaration.
  2. noun the ability of a microscope or telescope to measure the angular separation of images that are close together
    resolving power.
  3. noun the trait of being resolute
    resoluteness; resolve; firmness of purpose; firmness.
    • his resoluteness carried him through the battle
    • it was his unshakeable resolution to finish the work
  4. noun finding a solution to a problem
    solving.
  5. noun something settled or resolved; the outcome of decision making
    closure; settlement.
    • they finally reached a settlement with the union
    • they never did achieve a final resolution of their differences
    • he needed to grieve before he could achieve a sense of closure
  6. noun analysis into clear-cut components
    resolving.
  7. noun (computer science) the number of pixels per square inch on a computer-generated display; the greater the resolution, the better the picture
  8. noun the subsidence of swelling or other signs of inflammation (especially in a lung)
  9. noun (music) a dissonant chord is followed by a consonant chord
  10. noun a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem
    answer; solvent; solution; result.
    • they were trying to find a peaceful solution
    • the answers were in the back of the book
    • he computed the result to four decimal places
  11. noun a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner
    • he always wrote down his New Year's resolutions

WordNet

Res`o*lu"tion noun
Etymology
F. résolution. L. resolutio a loosening, solution. See Resolve.
Definitions
  1. The act, operation, or process of resolving. Specifically: (a) The act of separating a compound into its elements or component parts. (b) The act of analyzing a complex notion, or solving a vexed question or difficult problem.
    The unraveling and resolution of the difficulties that are met with in the execution of the design are the end of an action. Dryden.
  2. The state of being relaxed; relaxation. Obs.
  3. The state of being resolved, settled, or determined; firmness; steadiness; constancy; determination.
    Be it with resolution then to fight. Shak.
  4. That which is resolved or determined; a settled purpose; determination. Specifically: A formal expression of the opinion or will of an official body or a public assembly, adopted by vote; as, a legislative resolution; the resolutions of a public meeting.
  5. The state of being resolved or firm in opinion or thought; conviction; assurance. Obs.
    Little resolution and certainty there is as touching the islands of Mauritania. Holland.
  6. (Math.) The act or process of solving; solution; as, the resolution of an equation or problem.
  7. (Med.) A breaking up, disappearance; or termination, as of a fever, a tumor, or the like.
  8. (Mus.) The passing of a dissonant into a consonant chord by the rising or falling of the note which makes the discord. Syn. -- Decision; analysis; separation; disentanglement; dissolution; resolvedness; resoluteness; firmness; constancy; perseverance; steadfastness; fortitude; boldness; purpose; resolve. See Decision.

Webster 1913