Determination vs. Resolve: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 28, 2023
"Determination" is the firmness of purpose or the process of establishing something precisely, while "Resolve" is the decision or commitment to solve a problem or take a course of action.
Key Differences
"Determination" refers to the firmness of one's purpose or resolve in achieving objectives. It often conveys a sense of strong will or perseverance. "Resolve," on the other hand, suggests a decision or commitment, especially in overcoming challenges or difficulties. While determination implies an ongoing process, resolve is more about the moment of decision.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
In context, determination is frequently associated with the process of making and sticking to decisions. It suggests a continuous effort or endurance. Conversely, resolve can also imply the finality of a decision or the act of resolving an issue. Resolve is often used when a person decides firmly on a course of action.
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Dec 28, 2023
"Determination" can be seen as a trait or quality that someone possesses, indicating their steadfastness in pursuing goals. In contrast, "resolve" is often viewed as a specific decision or commitment to a particular action or path. Resolve is the firmness of this decision.
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Dec 28, 2023
In a broader sense, determination can refer to the act of establishing something exactly, often through calculation or research. Resolve, however, is strictly related to the mental or moral strength to face and overcome obstacles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
Grammatically, "determination" is a noun that describes a state or quality, while "resolve" can be both a noun and a verb, describing both the state of decision and the act of deciding or resolving something.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Firmness of purpose, the process of establishing something
Decision or commitment to solve a problem or take action
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Dec 28, 2023
Context
Associated with ongoing effort or endurance
Often implies finality of decision or resolving an issue
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Dec 28, 2023
Trait vs. Action
Seen as a trait or quality
Seen as a specific decision or commitment
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Dec 28, 2023
Broader Meaning
Can mean establishing something precisely
Related to mental or moral strength to face challenges
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Dec 28, 2023
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Determination and Resolve Definitions
Determination
The firmness of purpose in achieving objectives.
Her determination to succeed was inspiring.
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Dec 28, 2023
Resolve
The firmness of one's decisions or beliefs.
His resolve in his principles was admirable.
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Dec 28, 2023
Determination
The process of establishing something precisely.
The scientist's determination of the data was meticulous.
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Dec 28, 2023
Resolve
A commitment to achieving a goal.
Her resolve to learn a new language paid off.
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Dec 28, 2023
Determination
A quality of being resolute or steadfast.
His determination was evident in his unwavering focus.
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Dec 28, 2023
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Resolve
To make a firm decision about
Resolved that I would do better next time.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
Perseverance in facing challenges.
It took determination to overcome the obstacles.
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Dec 28, 2023
Resolve
To decide or express by formal vote
The legislature resolved that the official should be impeached.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
Firmness of purpose; resolve
Approached the task with determination.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To cause (a person) to reach a decision
"He was resolved to enjoy the success he had earned" (F. Scott Fitzgerald).
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
A fixed intention or resolution
Returned to school with a determination to finish.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To change or convert
My resentment resolved itself into resignation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The ascertaining or fixing of the quantity, quality, position, or character of something
A determination of the ship's longitude.
A determination of the universe's mass.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The act of making or arriving at a decision
After long determination, she decided to move to Utah.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The decision reached
It is my determination to sell the house.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The settling of a question or case by an authoritative decision or pronouncement, especially by a judicial body
The choice of a foster home was left to the determination of the court.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
(Music) To cause (a tone or chord) to progress from dissonance to consonance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
(Chemistry) To separate (an optically inactive compound or mixture) into its optically active constituents.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The bringing about of a result or outcome
The determination of hair color by the genes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
(Archaic) A fixed movement or tendency toward an object or end.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
(Mathematics) To separate (a vector, for example) into coordinate components.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The qualification of a concept or proposition to render it more definite or specific.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
(Obsolete) To cause (something) to melt or dissolve
"O, that this too too solid flesh would melt / Thaw and resolve itself into a dew!" (Shakespeare).
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The act of determining, or the state of being determined.
Through sheer determination, we managed to escape from the tornado.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To reach a decision or make a determination
Resolve on a course of action.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The quality of mind which reaches definite conclusions; decision of character; resoluteness.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
(countable) The state of decision; a judicial decision, or ending of controversy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
Firmness of purpose; resolution
"my fierce, indignant resolve to visit those sun-kissed islands" (Caitlin Flanagan).
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
(countable) That which is determined upon; result of deliberation; purpose; conclusion formed; fixed resolution.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
A determination or decision; a fixed purpose
"She had come to a resolve to undertake outdoor work in her native village" (Thomas Hardy).
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
A flow, rush, or tendency to a particular part
A determination of blood to the head
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
(countable) The act, process, or result of any accurate measurement, as of length, volume, weight, intensity, etc.
The determination of the wavelength of light
The determination of the level of salt in sea water
The determination of the oxygen in the air
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The act of defining a concept or notion by giving its essential constituents.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
(transitive) To reduce to simple or intelligible notions; to make clear or certain; to unravel; to explain.
To resolve a riddle
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The addition of a distinguishing feature to a concept or notion, thus limiting its extent.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
(intransitive) To make a firm decision to do something.
I resolve to finish this work before I go home.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The act of determining the relations of an object, such as genus and species; the referring of minerals, plants, or animals, to the species to which they belong; classification
I am indebted to a friend for the determination of most of these shells.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
(transitive) To determine or decide in purpose; to make ready in mind; to fix; to settle.
He was resolved by an unexpected event.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To come to an agreement or make peace; patch up relationship, settle differences, bury the hatchet.
After two weeks of bickering, they finally resolved their differences.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To break down into constituent parts; to decompose; to disintegrate; to return to a simpler constitution or a primeval state.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
Bringing to an end; termination; limit.
A speedy determination of that war.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To cause to perceive or understand; to acquaint; to inform; to convince; to assure; to make certain.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
Direction or tendency to a certain end; impulsion.
Remissness can by no means consist with a constant determination of the will . . . to the greatest apparent good.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The quality of mind which reaches definite conclusions; decision of character; resoluteness.
He only is a well-made man who has a good determination.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
(optics) To render visible or distinguishable the parts of something.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The state of decision; a judicial decision, or ending of controversy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
(computing) To find the IP address of a hostname, or the entity referred to by a symbol in source code; to look up.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
That which is determined upon; result of deliberation; purpose; conclusion formed; fixed resolution.
So bloodthirsty a determination to obtain convictions.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
A flow, rush, or tendency to a particular part; as, a determination of blood to the head.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The act, process, or result of any accurate measurement, as of length, volume, weight, intensity, etc.; as, the determination of the ohm or of the wave length of light; the determination of the salt in sea water, or the oxygen in the air.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The act of defining a concept or notion by giving its essential constituents.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To disperse or scatter; to discuss, as an inflammation or a tumour.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The act of determining the relations of an object, as regards genus and species; the referring of minerals, plants, or animals, to the species to which they belong; classification; as, I am indebted to a friend for the determination of most of these shells.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The quality of being determined to do or achieve something;
His determination showed in his every movement
He is a man of purpose
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
A position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration;
A decision unfavorable to the opposition
His conclusion took the evidence into account
Satisfied with the panel's determination
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
(uncountable) Determination; will power.
It took all my resolve to go through with the surgery.
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The act of making up your mind about something;
The burden of decision was his
He drew his conclusions quickly
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Oct 19, 2023
Determination
The act of making a firm decision.
The team's determination to win was clear.
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Dec 28, 2023
Resolve
To separate the component parts of; to reduce to the constituent elements; - said of compound substances; hence, sometimes, to melt, or dissolve.
O, that this too too solid flesh would melt,Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!
Ye immortal souls, who once were men,And now resolved to elements again.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To reduce to simple or intelligible notions; - said of complex ideas or obscure questions; to make clear or certain; to free from doubt; to disentangle; to unravel; to explain; hence, to clear up, or dispel, as doubt; as, to resolve a riddle.
To the resolving whereof we must first know that the Jews were commanded to divorce an unbelieving Gentile.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To cause to perceive or understand; to acquaint; to inform; to convince; to assure; to make certain.
Sir, be resolved. I must and will come.
Resolve me, Reason, which of these is worse,Want with a full, or with an empty purse?
In health, good air, pleasure, riches, I am resolved it can not be equaled by any region.
We must be resolved how the law can be pure and perspicuous, and yet throw a polluted skirt over these Eleusinian mysteries.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To determine or decide in purpose; to make ready in mind; to fix; to settle; as, he was resolved by an unexpected event.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To express, as an opinion or determination, by resolution and vote; to declare or decide by a formal vote; - followed by a clause; as, the house resolved (or, it was resolved by the house) that no money should be apropriated (or, to appropriate no money).
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To change or convert by resolution or formal vote; - used only reflexively; as, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To solve, as a problem, by enumerating the several things to be done, in order to obtain what is required; to find the answer to, or the result of.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To let the tones (as of a discord) follow their several tendencies, resulting in a concord.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To be separated into its component parts or distinct principles; to undergo resolution.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To melt; to dissolve; to become fluid.
When the blood stagnates in any part, it first coagulates, then resolves, and turns alkaline.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To be settled in opinion; to be convinced.
Let men resolve of that as they plaease.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To form a purpose; to make a decision; especially, to determine after reflection; as, to resolve on a better course of life.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
That which has been resolved on or determined; decisive conclusion; fixed purpose; determination; also, legal or official determination; a legislative declaration; a resolution.
Nor is your firm resolve unknown.
Cæsar's approach has summoned us together,And Rome attends her fate from our resolves.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
The trait of being resolute; firmness of purpose;
His resoluteness carried him through the battle
It was his unshakeable resolution to finish the work
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
Bring to an end; settle conclusively;
The case was decided
The judge decided the case in favor of the plaintiff
The father adjudicated when the sons were quarreling over their inheritance
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
Understand the meaning of;
The question concerning the meaning of life cannot be answered
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
Cause to go into a solution;
The recipe says that we should dissolve a cup of sugar in two cups of water
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Oct 19, 2023
Resolve
To decide firmly on a course of action.
She showed her resolve by taking on the challenge.
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Dec 28, 2023
Resolve
To solve or find a solution to a problem.
They resolved the issue efficiently.
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Dec 28, 2023
Resolve
The act of overcoming doubts or fears.
With great resolve, he faced his fears.
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Dec 28, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do determination and resolve require action?
Determination implies ongoing effort, while resolve implies a decision that often leads to action.
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Dec 28, 2023
Is determination always positive?
Generally, but it depends on the context and objective.
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Dec 28, 2023
Is determination a personality trait?
Yes, it's often considered a personal attribute.
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Dec 28, 2023
Can a group show determination?
Yes, groups can collectively demonstrate determination.
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Dec 28, 2023
Is determination a continuous process?
Yes, it often involves sustained effort.
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Dec 28, 2023
Can resolve change over time?
Yes, as decisions or commitments might evolve.
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Dec 28, 2023
Can resolve be negative?
It can be, if applied to harmful decisions or actions.
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Dec 28, 2023
Is determination innate or developed?
It can be both innate and developed over time.
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Dec 28, 2023
Can resolve be reconsidered?
Yes, as circumstances change, so can one's resolve.
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Dec 28, 2023
Does resolve require confidence?
Typically, as it involves firm decisions or beliefs.
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Dec 28, 2023
Are determination and resolve essential for goals?
Yes, they're often crucial for achieving objectives.
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Dec 28, 2023
Is resolve a momentary decision?
It can be, especially when it signifies a firm choice.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
Does determination imply success?
Not necessarily; it's about the effort, regardless of the outcome.
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Dec 28, 2023
Can determination be measured?
It's difficult to measure directly but can be inferred from actions.
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Dec 28, 2023
Is resolve related to leadership?
Yes, effective leadership often requires strong resolve.
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Dec 28, 2023
Can determination lead to resolve?
Yes, sustained determination can culminate in resolve.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
Is resolve always about solving problems?
Not always; it can also be about making firm commitments.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
Does resolve involve emotional aspects?
Yes, it often involves emotional commitment.
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Dec 28, 2023
Can resolve be strengthened?
Yes, through reinforcement of decisions and actions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
Can external factors influence one's determination?
Yes, external circumstances can impact determination.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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