resolvedadj.
/rᵻˈzɒlvd/, U.S. /rəˈzɔlvd/, /riˈzɔlvd/, /rəˈzɑlvd/, /riˈzɑlvd/ I. Senses relating to decision, determination, etc.† 1.
a. Of the mind, etc.: freed from doubt or uncertainty; settled. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > [adjective] > of the mind
resolved1497
fastened1596
made-up1873
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > [adjective] > freed from doubt
resolved1497
resolutec1540
1497 in J. Gairdner Lett. Reigns of Richard III & Henry VII (1861) I. 110 Our fynal and resolved mynde is that ye obteyne al thes articles comprised in the second parte.
1567 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure II. xxiii. f. 176v To deferre for a certaine time the effect of hir resolued minde.
1578 J. Banister Hist. Man v. f. 81v To passe this point with a cleare resolued mynde.
1643 Sir T. Browne Religio Medici (authorized ed.) i. §3 I could never perceive..that a resolved conscience may not adore her Creator anywhere. View more context for this quotation
1664 N. Ingelo Bentivolio & Urania: 2nd Pt. v. 132 It is difficult to suppose that he hath any resolv'd thoughts concerning God.
a1690 Bp. E. Hopkins Serm. in Wks. (1809) IV. 406 A contemplative atheist, that shall set it down as his deliberate and resolved judgment, that there is no God.
b. Of a person: convinced, satisfied, or certain of something. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > [adjective]
sickerc1100
bolda1300
surec1330
trist1340
certain1362
traista1400
tresta1400
ensurec1430
suredc1450
absolute1483
firm1483
resolute1501
assured1523
satisfied1533
unperplexed1558
unblanked1570
resolved1577
secure1578
clear1604
constant1611
ungravelled1611
confidenta1616
definitea1616
fearless1634
decretory1651
positive1658
unbrangled1671
cocksure1672
convinced1685
reliant1702
unbewildereda1807
positivistic1893
hensure1929
tooting1932
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > [adjective] > defined, well-formed > of statement or speaker
utter1472
absolute?1504
peremptory1532
perfect1569
resolved1577
confident1611
categoricala1620
definitive1624
textuary1632
categorematical1654
categoric1678
1577 G. Whetstone Remembraunce Gaskoigne ii Yet trust me frends.., I am resolu'd, I neuer liu'd til now.
1596 W. Raleigh Discoverie Guiana (new ed.) 70 For mine owne part I am resolued it is true.
1608 T. Middleton Trick to catch Old-one iii. sig. D2v Since you are so wel resolude of my faith toward you.
1719 in T. D'Urfey Wit & Mirth III. 97 Being well resolv'd that none, Could see her Nakedness.
c. Of doctrine: adopted or accepted after careful deliberation. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > [adjective] > performed with intention
bethoughtc1200
expressa1400
wilfula1400
purposedc1422
purpensed1436
malice prepensed1454
aforethought1472
studiedc1475
setc1485
voluntary1495
deliberate?1527
willing1550
witting1553
propensed1560
fore-intendeda1586
affected1586
designed1586
determinate1586
intended1592
deliberated1594
uncasual1614
recollecteda1616
resolved1624
industriousa1628
intentionate1631
pre-intended1636
advised1642
malice prepense1647
sedentary1647
propense1650
consultive1651
(crime, evil, etc.) of forethought1692
conscious1726
intentionala1729
systematic1746
studious1750
systematical1750
prepensive1752
advertent1832
self-conscious1832
volitive1839
designful1852
purposeful1853
purposive1864
thought-controlled1926
1624 R. Montagu Gagg for New Gospell? v. 48 To be imputed vnto the resolued Doctrine of the Protestants, that are of another minde.
1659 J. Rushworth Hist. Coll. 176 They shew that some of the Opinions which offended many, were no other then the resolved Doctrine of this Church.
1675 T. Plume Acct. Life & Death in J. Hacket Cent. Serm. p. xliv [He] much commended the moderation of our Church, which made not any of these nice and doubtful Opinions the resolved Doctrin of the Church.
2.
a. Of a person: that has resolved to do something; having a fixed intention; determined, decided.Usually followed by an expression (prepositional phrase, that-clause, or to and infinitive) indicating the intended action, outcome, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > [adjective]
resolved1518
well-minded1524
counselled1525
pre-resolved1633
predetermined1760
the mind > will > decision > resolution or determination > [adjective]
stallc1275
unflichinga1340
adviseda1393
affirmed1440
constant1481
resolved1518
resolute1522
well-settled?1532
ratified1533
unbashed1536
bent1548
well-resolved1565
unabashed1571
determinate1587
undaunted1587
peremptory1589
confirmed1594
decretal1608
pight1608
intent1610
definitivea1616
unshrinkinga1616
naylessa1618
pitched1642
decisive1658
martyrly1659
certain1667
fell1667
decretory1674
martyrial1678
decretorian1679
invariable1696
unflinching1728
hell-bent1731
decided1767
determined1773
iron-headed1787
adamantine1788
unwincing1802
stick-at-nothing1805
adamant1816
hard-set1818
rock-like1833
bound1844
do-or-die1851
unbased1860
focused1888
capable de tout1899
purposive1903
go-for-broke1946
hard rock1947
take-no-shit1992
1518 H. Watson tr. Hystorye Olyuer of Castylle sig. Q.viij He was so grounded and resolued in loyalte yt of his promyse he coude not nor durst not excuse hym.
1520 King Henry VIII in J. O. Halliwell Lett. Kings Eng. (1846) I. 246 Whereunto..none of our..ancestors were ever so..determinate resolved as we be at this time.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. vi He was fully resolued to stire vp no further disputation.
1611 Bible (King James) Luke xvi. 4 I am resolued what to doe. View more context for this quotation
1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre iv. xvii. 198 About this time many thousands of the English were resolved for the Holy warre.
1641 W. Mountagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 289 The Temple is resolved of a Christmas.
1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms (cxix. 149–150 Paraphr.) 610 My enemies are maliciously resolved against me.
1710 Tatler No. 258. ⁋4 I am resolved to give up my Farm, sell my Stock and remove.
1762 O. Goldsmith Citizen of World I. 104 He was resolved they should have learning.
1766 G. Colman & D. Garrick Clandestine Marriage iv. 65 I am resolved that some way or other I will have revenge.
1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice I. xviii. 206 She was resolved against any sort of conversation with him, and turned away. View more context for this quotation
1819 P. B. Shelley Cenci iii. i. 49 That word parricide, Although I am resolved, haunts me like fear.
1847 C. Brontë Jane Eyre III. ix. 240 He was in deep earnest, wrestling with God, and resolved on a conquest.
1880 J. McCarthy Hist. our Own Times IV. lxiv. 434 He showed that he was resolved to play on a vaster stage.
1907 E. G. Gardner St Catherine of Siena i. 9 They were resolved upon finding a husband for Catherine whose alliance would strengthen the position of their family in the city.
1972 E. Longford Wellington ii. xvi. 236 From 1830 onwards the British people were resolved that something radical should happen.
1980 S. Hazzard Transit of Venus ii. xx. 159 He was as unshakably and righteously resolved on this as if it had been a moral cause or high ideal.
2009 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 23 Jan. 31 Barack Obama..is resolved to tackle man-made climate change.
b. Of an action, state of mind, etc.: fully determined upon, deliberate.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > resolution or determination > [adjective] > of actions, etc.
doughtyOE
resolute?1560
resolved1561
determineda1616
seta1640
concerted1844
kragdadig1952
driven1967
1561 T. Hoby tr. B. Castiglione Courtyer iii. sig. Gg.iiiv In this resolued determination the seelie soule..at the three yeeres ende, died.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) ii. i. 586 From a resolu'd and honourable warre, To a most base and vile-concluded peace. View more context for this quotation
1638 A. Read Treat. 1st Pt. Chirurg. xxxi. 230 A doubtfull hope is better than a resolved despaire.
1694 J. Kettlewell Compan. for Penitent 92 Confess them to him with a resolved aversion: being resolved in heart to forsake all.
a1716 R. South Serm. Several Occasions (1744) X. 185 A settled, constant, resolved living in sin.
1857 W. A. Jones Characters & Crit. I. vii. 47 A mode of life that..inclines equally to serious, resolved action, and to a gay, cheerful temper.
1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Miner's Right I. ii. 32 A great and often resolved scheme.
1907 Proc. Royal Colonial Inst. 38 240 A resolved refusal to acknowledge the authority of the Commonwealth (passive resistance, I believe it is called).
1991 A. D. Cousins Catholic Relig. Poets iii. 97 It is on the threats to remaining with ‘Our Mother Church’ and on resolved loyalty to her that the other sonnets mainly concentrate.
c. Of a person: staunch, dedicated; committed, confirmed; that is thoroughly committed to the specified or implied course of action, practice, religious belief, doctrine, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > fidelity or loyalty > [adjective]
holdc893
trueOE
leala1300
truefula1350
faithfula1375
true-hearted1465
liege1478
well-wishing1548
allegiant1556
vowed1560
lewtifull1563
whole-chested1576
devotious1583
devote1597
loyal-hearted1599
devoted1600
resolved1600
real1639
fidelious1650
liegeful1872
1600 G. Power (title) The resolued Christian, exhorting to resolution.
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. ii. i. §3. 219 A Nation of valiant and resolued Idolaters.
1692 R. Bentley Boyle Lect. ii. 32 No wonder the resolved Atheists do so labour and bestir themselves to fetch Sense and Perception out of the Power of Matter.
1703 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion II. vi. 107 Which drove all resolv'd Men from their Houses into York, where they only could be safe.
a1740 J. Abernethy Serm. Var. Subj. (1748) II. iv. 104 Whenever we find a warmth and vehemence of temper causing emotion and perturbation of mind, we may fancy ourselves zealous and resolved christians.
a1755 T. Wilson Serm lviii, in Wks. (1781) II. 365 Enough, one would think, to startle the most resolved sinner.
1850 People's Rev. Feb. 24 His silence in this parliament goes far to prove..that the young politician was not a resolved patriot.
1881 J. Bate Class Leader's Treasury 372 If..you are an inquiring or resolved follower of Jesus, you are eligible for this service.
a1902 Ld. Acton Lect. Mod. Hist. (1906) ix. 177 Richelieu was..a passionately resolved defender of the national unity.
1991 N. Tattersfield Forgotten Trade xvi. 241 Two of the three guardians named here were also resolved Dissenters.
3. Of a person, the mind, etc.: characterized by determination or firmness of purpose; resolute.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [adjective]
fasteOE
stathelfasteOE
anredOE
hardOE
starkOE
trueOE
steadfast993
fastredeOE
stithc1000
findyOE
stablea1275
stathelyc1275
stiffc1275
stablec1290
steel to the (very) backa1300
unbowinga1300
stably13..
firm1377
unmovablea1382
constantc1386
abidingc1400
toughc1400
sure1421
unmoblea1425
unfaintedc1425
unfaint1436
permanent?a1475
stalwartc1480
unbroken1513
immovable1534
inconcuss1542
unshaken1548
stout1569
unwavering1570
undiscourageable1571
fixed1574
discourageable1576
unappalled1578
resolute1579
unremoved1583
resolved1585
unflexiblea1586
unshakeda1586
square1589
unstooping1597
iron1598
rocky1601
steady1602
undeclinable1610
unboweda1616
unfainting1615
unswayed1615
staunch1624
undiscourageda1628
staid1631
unshook1633
blue?1636
true blue?1636
tenacious1640
uncomplying1643
yieldless1651
riveting1658
unshakened1659
inconquerable1660
unyielding1677
unbendinga1688
tight1690
unswerving1694
unfaltering1727
unsubmitting1730
undeviating1732
undrooping1736
impervertible1741
undamped1742
undyingc1765
sturdy1775
stiff as a poker1798
unfickle1802
indivertible1821
thick and thin1822
undisheartened1827
inconvertible1829
straightforward1829
indomitable1830
stickfast1831
unsuccumbing1833
unturnable1847
unswerved1849
undivertible1856
unforsaking1862
swerveless1863
steeve1870
rock-ribbed1884
stiff in the back1897
1585 R. Parsons Christian Directorie ii. ii. i. 586 The second thing that maketh this yoke so sweet..to resolued men, is vehemencie of loue.
1590 C. Marlowe Tamburlaine: 1st Pt. sig. B2 What stronge enchantments tice my yeelding soule Are these resolued noble Scythians.
1612 M. Drayton Poly-olbion viii. 117 Braue Voadicia made with her resolued'st men To Virolam.
1678 H. More Let. 25 May 29 in J. Glanvill Saducismus Triumphatus (1681) Of whom he is a sworn Advocate and resolved Patron right or wrong.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones VI. xvi. ii. 16 Here stands your resolved Daughter. View more context for this quotation
1816 W. Scott Antiquary I. i. 6 The hat pulled over his resolved brows.
1852 M. A. H. M. H. Many Shades of Life 42 I am no child,no girl,—I am a resolved and earnest woman.
1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) I. iii. 207 Men of..broad resolved temper.
1938 K. G. Feiling Second Tory Party iv. 51 This bad-tempered, learned, and resolved man was a King's friend to the end of his cold finger-tips.
1995 Australian (Nexis) 31 Oct. Second-wicket pair Salim Elahi and Rameez Raja were grimly resolved in the final 55 minutes.
4. That has been decided or resolved on or upon.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > [adjective] > decided, determined
concluded1569
resolved1689
1689 C. Lawton Honesty is Best Policy 4/1 Without Sunderland, being remade Secretary of State, or a general Excise Establish'd, which are the resolv'd on Methods of King William.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa IV. xxxv. 204 Every nerve and fibre of me is always ready to contribute its aid..to carry a resolved on roguery into execution.
1841 J. Baillie Rep. Proc. Gen. Assembly Church of Scotl. 45 Free from any predetermined object of finding grounds for plausibly defending a resolved upon change.
1885 ‘Sangrée’ Mignonnette ii. vii. 142 He may reach the appointed time without having attained the expected, the resolved upon success.
1998 A. Quinton Wodehouse to Wittgenstein iv. 263 What is practically important about a train of thought is what it publicly eventuates in: an asserted belief, a resolved-upon action.
II. Senses relating to physical resolution.† 5. Softened; slack, relaxed. Obsolete. rare.In figurative context in quot. a1500.† 6. Melted, dissolved, dispersed. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > loose or stiff condition > [adjective]
leathwakec1000
lithebyc1000
starka1275
stiffc1305
standing1340
bainc1440
waldinc1485
resolveda1500
supplea1500
lash1513
limber1582
sagging1599
laxed1623
unslakeda1625
laxated1652
springy1674
gangling1764
lithesome1768
swack1768
unslackened1770
lissoma1800
wandle1803
loose-limbed1823
loose1846
unslacked1848
saggy1853
loose-jointed1859
loose-hung1869
gangly1871
a1500 (a1450) tr. Secreta Secret. (Ashm. 396) (1977) 93 (MED) The skyn of the hede, yf it be ryveled or slak, a resolued inwitte femenyn and nessh it sheweth.
1576 G. Baker tr. C. Gesner Newe Jewell of Health iii. f. 162 The extenuation of resolued & weake members.
1650 J. Bulwer Anthropometamorphosis 182 Lips are soft and resolved.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > making or becoming liquid > [adjective]
moltena1400
eliquate?a1425
remiss?1440
resolveda1500
liquefacted1598
liquefied1599
fluidified1842
liquated1874
a1500 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (BL Add.) (1975) l. 2007 (MED) Stynche is a vapour, a resolued fumosite Of thingis which of eville complexion be.
1582 T. Watson Ἑκατομπαθία: Passionate Cent. Loue lxxvii Time brings a fludd from newe resolued snowe.
1666 R. Boyle Origine Formes & Qualities 300 Dropping a little resolv'd salt of Tartar upon the solution of common Sublimate.
7. Decomposed, broken up; separated, analysed.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > separation > separation or breaking up into constituent parts > [adjective] > separated into constituents
resolveda1600
analysed1601
untwist1607
separated1661
decompounded1797
reduced1810
broken-down1816
dissociated1882
degraded1927
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > harmony or sounds in combination > [adjective] > movement of parts > suspended, etc.
unresolved1742
resolved1818
suspended1853
prepared1867
a1600 (?c1535) tr. H. Boece Hist. Scotl. (Mar Lodge) (1946) f. 403v Quhen the tothir mycht nocht sustene the fetoure of the resoluyt carioun, it deit sone thareftir.
1651 N. Biggs Matæotechnia Medicinæ Praxeωs 75 For a purging medicine being taken, both the sick man and the sound do equally cast out resolved matter, of the same colour, smell and condition.
1739 P. Keir Enq. Medicinal Waters Bristol i. 22 Water, as the proper vehicle, conveys this resolving soap to the part affected..and afterwards serves to carry off the resolved matter which formed the obstruction.
1759 R. Dossie Inst. Exper. Chem. iii. i. 380 The resolved parts of animals, decomposed by putrefaction, furnish again nutrition to vegetables.
1818 T. Busby Gram. Music 429 There is the resolved Canon, the unresolved Canon.
1868 W. Lockyer & J. N. Lockyer tr. A. Guillemin Heavens (ed. 3) 397 Another point of resemblance between the resolved globular clusters, and the nebulæ of the same form.
1947 J. Jeans Growth of Physical Sci. (1948) vii. 282 The resolved substance he [sc. Faraday] called an ‘electrolyte’.
1960 R. Taggart in Exper. Drilling in Deep Water (National Acad. Sci.-National Res. Council (U.S.)) App. x. 2 If possible, these resolved forces and moments should utilize the total thrust available from each of the propellers.
1995 S. A. E. Johansson et al. Particle-induced X-ray Emission Spectroscopy i. 11 In the L X-ray spectrum of a heavy element there are four predominant resolved components and four weaker ones.
Compounds
C1. Complementary, as resolved-looking.
ΚΠ
1876 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer xvii, in Austral. Town & Country Jrnl. (Sydney) 25 Nov. 862/2 A subdued bronzed resolved-looking man.
2003 C. Kenneally All Day, All Night 57 Loads of resolved-looking women In great shoes, suit jackets, tights.
C2.
resolved flaking n. Archaeology = step flaking n. at step n.1 Compounds 1.
ΚΠ
?1923 M. C. Burkitt Our Forerunners iii. 71 A little facet then snaps off and a definite step is produced between the new facet and the rest of the main flake. This is known as ‘resolved’ flaking.
1974 S. Afr. Archaeol. Bull. 29 125/2 A steep working edge showing resolved flaking.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2010; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1497