resolute
REZ-uh-loot
/ˈrez.ə.luːt/
Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering in commitment.
Implies a conscious decision or resolution made after reflection, followed by steady execution.
The story behind the word. Latin 'solvere' meant to untie or loosen a knot. When you 'resolve' a problem, you untie its knots until the clear path remains. A 'resolute' person is someone whose mind has unraveled all doubt and arrived at an unbreakable decision.
Word relationships
- unwavering: 'Unwavering' highlights absence of hesitation; 'resolute' highlights firm mental determination.
- firm: 'Firm' is a general adjective; 'resolute' carries formal, moral weight.
- vacillating: Wavering indecisively between choices.
- wavering: Faltering or hesitating in conviction.
Commonly confused with
- resolvable: 'Resolvable' means capable of being solved; 'resolute' means firm in purpose.
Word family
- resolution (noun): A firm decision to do or not to do something.
- resolutely (adverb): In an admirably determined and unwavering manner.
Collocations
- resolute action
- resolute stance
- remain resolute
- resolute in purpose
Idioms & expressions
- stand like a rock
Example sentences
- "Despite heavy losses, the commander remained resolute in his defense of the pass." Historical conflict
- "She faced public scrutiny with a resolute belief in her strategy." Business leadership
Memory hook
When you make a New Year's RESOLUTION, you must remain RESOLUTE to keep it. Resolute = untied from doubt, unwavering.
When not to use
Do not use to describe unthinking or knee-jerk insistence.
Fun facts
- To 'dissolve' and 'resolute' stem from the same root word 'solvere'.
Related words
Also appears in
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