resolute

[rez-uh-loot] /ˈrɛz əˌlut/

adjective

firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion.

characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper, spirit, actions, etc.

Origin

1375-1425 for earlier sense “dissolved”; 1525-35 for current senses; late Middle English < Latin resolūtus, past participle of resolvere to resolve

Related forms

resolutely

[rez-uh-loot-lee, rez-uh-loot-] /ˈrɛz əˌlut li, ˌrɛz əˈlut-/ (Show IPA), adverb

resoluteness, noun

overresolute, adjective

overresolutely, adverb

overresoluteness, noun

semiresolute, adjective

semiresolutely, adverb

semiresoluteness, noun

unresolute, adjective

unresolutely, adverb

unresoluteness, noun

Synonyms

1. firm, steadfast, fixed. See earnest¹ . 2. unwavering, undaunted.

Examples from the web for resolute

Jenny, equally resolute, sat on the bed and buried her face.
Now, bedded down, they turned resolute and disapproving.
More believable were the reports that he was stubborn and resolute.
When our shock recedes, our rage must be steady and resolute and unforgiving.
The spoils go to the resolute, the patient, who know what they are pursuing and how to achieve it.
Other publishers, faced with books that were likely to cause widespread offence, have been less resolute.
Already, countries that have been dilatory in cutting their deficits have pledged to be more resolute.
Deng promotes the polity to resolute at home and open the door to the rest of the world.
For now governments appear resolute tackling the budget and taxes.
To the poor he was affable and courteous, but firm and resolute to the proud rich.

British Dictionary definitions for resolute

resolute

/ˈrɛzəˌluːt/

adjective

firm in purpose or belief; steadfast

characterized by resolution; determined: a resolute answer

Derived Forms

resolutely, adverb
resoluteness, noun

Word Origin

C16: from Latin resolutus, from resolvere to resolve

Word Origin and History for resolute

adj.

early 15c., "dissolved, of loose structure," also "morally lax," from Latin resolutus, past participle of resolvere "untie, unfasten, loose, loosen" (see resolution). Meaning "determined, decided, absolute, final" is from c.1500, especially in resolute answer, a phrase "common in 16th c." [OED]. From 1530s of persons. The notion is of "breaking (something) into parts" as the way to arrive at the truth of it and thus make the final determination (cf. resolution). Related: Resolutely; resoluteness.