resolution
Meaning
a formal decision or statement agreed on by a group of people, especially after a vote
the act of solving or settling a problem, dispute, or contentious matter
the quality of being determined or resolute; firmness of purpose
the degree of detail that can be seen in an image or on a screen
Structure
Usage
The United Nations passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.
The successful resolution of the conflict brought peace to the region.
She faced the challenge with great courage and resolution.
This monitor has a very high resolution, making text incredibly sharp.
Etymology
The word "resolution" originates from the Latin verb resolvere, meaning "to loosen, release, or dissolve," which is itself a combination of the prefix re- ("again" or "back") and solvere ("to loosen"). This literal sense of "loosening back" evolved in medieval Latin to signify the process of breaking a complex problem into its simpler parts, thereby solving or dissolving it. Over time, this conceptual "untying" of a difficulty gave rise to the modern meanings of a firm decision (the final outcome of solving a debate) and personal determination (the mental state of being unwavering). The technical sense concerning image clarity derives from the same core idea of separating or distinguishing fine details, effectively "loosening" them from a blurry whole.
Analysis
- re: Latin prefix meaning "again" or "back". - solut: From Latin solutus, the past participle stem of solvere, meaning "to loosen, release, untie". - ion: Latin-derived noun suffix indicating an action, process, or state.