Resolve vs. Solve: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 29, 2023
Resolve is to decide or conclude through reasoning or determination. Solve is to find an answer or explanation through problem-solving.
Key Differences
"Resolve" typically involves making a decision or finding a conclusion, often related to personal or interpersonal issues. "Solve" is more about finding solutions to problems, usually practical or intellectual in nature.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
"Resolve" is often used in the context of personal determination or resolving interpersonal conflicts. "Solve" is more commonly used in the context of solving puzzles, mathematical problems, or technical issues.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
"Resolve" deals with broader issues, including resolutions to debates or intentions for future action. "Solve" is more specific, dealing with finding definitive answers to specific questions or problems.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
"Resolve" implies a decision-making process, which may include internal or emotional considerations. "Solve" refers to the process of problem-solving, which is more analytical and often involves logical reasoning.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
"Resolve" is often used in a more formal or serious context, dealing with resolutions and determinations. "Solve" is frequently used in everyday contexts, particularly in relation to practical or logical problems.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Resolve and Solve Definitions
Resolve
To make a firm decision about
Resolved that I would do better next time.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Resolve
To decide or express by formal vote
The legislature resolved that the official should be impeached.
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Oct 19, 2023
Solve
To find an answer to, explanation for, or way of dealing with (a problem, for example).
Shumaila Saeed
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
Solve
To solve an equation
Insert the values of the constants and solve for x.
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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
Solve
To find out the perpetrator, the motive etc of crime
To solve a murder
To solve a crime
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Oct 19, 2023
Solve
(mathematics) To find the values of variables that satisfy a system of equations and/or inequalities.
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Oct 19, 2023
Solve
(mathematics) To algebraically manipulate an equation or inequality into a form that isolates a chosen variable on one side, so that the other side consists of an expression that may be used to generate solutions.
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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
Solve
To explain; to resolve; to unfold; to clear up (what is obscure or difficult to be understood); to work out to a result or conclusion; as, to solve a doubt; to solve difficulties; to solve a problem.
True piety would effectually solve such scruples.
God shall solve the dark decrees of fate.
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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
Solve
Find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of;
Did you solve the problem?
Work out your problems with the boss
This unpleasant situation isn't going to work itself out
Did you get it?
Did you get my meaning?
He could not work the math problem
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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
Resolve
To reach a decision or make a determination
Resolve on a course of action.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
Resolve
(optics) To render visible or distinguishable the parts of something.
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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
Resolve
To disperse or scatter; to discuss, as an inflammation or a tumour.
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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
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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
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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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
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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
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is resolve more emotional than solve?
Often, as it involves decision-making.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Can resolve be used in business?
Yes, for decision-making or conflict resolution.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is solving a puzzle the same as resolving it?
Solve is more appropriate for puzzles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Is solve used in mathematics?
Frequently, for finding solutions to equations.
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Dec 29, 2023
Does resolve imply a longer process?
It can, especially in personal matters.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Is resolve often used in resolutions?
Yes, particularly in formal statements.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can you solve a personal conflict?
Yes, but resolving is more common terminology.
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Dec 29, 2023
Do scientists solve or resolve hypotheses?
They solve them through experimentation.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can resolve be an internal process?
Yes, it often involves internal deliberation.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is resolve linked to resolution?
Yes, in the sense of concluding or deciding.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Is it correct to say 'resolve a math problem'?
Usually, 'solve' is more appropriate.
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Dec 29, 2023
Does solving require analytical skills?
Generally, especially in technical contexts.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is resolve more about the journey or outcome?
Often the journey or decision-making.
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Dec 29, 2023
Does solve imply a clear answer?
Typically, it involves finding a definitive solution.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 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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