v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Resolved p. pr. & vb. n. Resolving. ] [ L. resolvere, resolutum, to untie, loosen, relax, enfeeble; pref. re- re- + solvere to loosen, dissolve: cf. F. résoudare to resolve. See Solve, and cf. Resolve, v. i., Resolute, Resolution. ] 1. To separate the component parts of; to reduce to the constituent elements; -- said of compound substances; hence, sometimes, to melt, or dissolve. [ 1913 Webster ]

O, that this too too solid flesh would melt,
Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew! Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ye immortal souls, who once were men,
And now resolved to elements again. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. 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. “Resolve my doubt.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

To the resolving whereof we must first know that the Jews were commanded to divorce an unbelieving Gentile. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To cause to perceive or understand; to acquaint; to inform; to convince; to assure; to make certain. [ 1913 Webster ]

Sir, be resolved. I must and will come. Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ]

Resolve me, Reason, which of these is worse,
Want with a full, or with an empty purse? Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

In health, good air, pleasure, riches, I am resolved it can not be equaled by any region. Sir W. Raleigh. [ 1913 Webster ]

We must be resolved how the law can be pure and perspicuous, and yet throw a polluted skirt over these Eleusinian mysteries. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To determine or decide in purpose; to make ready in mind; to fix; to settle; as, he was resolved by an unexpected event. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. 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). [ 1913 Webster ]

6. To change or convert by resolution or formal vote; -- used only reflexively; as, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. (Math.) 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. Hutton. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. (Med.) To dispere or scatter; to discuss, as an inflammation or a tumor. [ 1913 Webster ]

9. (Mus.) To let the tones (as of a discord) follow their several tendencies, resulting in a concord. [ 1913 Webster ]

10. To relax; to lay at ease. [ Obs. ] B. Jonson. [ 1913 Webster ]

To resolve a nebula.(Astron.) See Resolution of a nebula, under Resolution. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To solve; analyze; unravel; disentangle. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ The sense “to be convinced, to determine” comes from the idea of loosening, breaking up into parts, analyzing, hence, determining. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. To be separated into its component parts or distinct principles; to undergo resolution. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To melt; to dissolve; to become fluid. [ 1913 Webster ]

When the blood stagnates in any part, it first coagulates, then resolves, and turns alkaline. Arbuthhnot. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To be settled in opinion; to be convinced. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Let men resolve of that as they plaease. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To form a purpose; to make a decision; especially, to determine after reflection; as, to resolve on a better course of life. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To determine; decide; conclude; purpose. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The act of resolving or making clear; resolution; solution. “To give a full resolve of that which is so much controverted.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which has been resolved on or determined; decisive conclusion; fixed purpose; determination; also, legal or official determination; a legislative declaration; a resolution. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nor is your firm resolve unknown. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Caesar's approach has summoned us together,
And Rome attends her fate from our resolves. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

p. p. & a. Having a fixed purpose; determined; resolute; -- usually placed after its noun; as, a man resolved to be rich. [ 1913 Webster ]

That makes him a resolved enemy. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

I am resolved she shall not settle here. Fielding. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. 1. So as to resolve or clear up difficulties; clearly. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Of that, and all the progress, more or less,
Resolvedly more leisure shall express. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Resolutely; decidedly; firmly. Grew. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Fixedness of purpose; firmness; resolution. Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Having power to resolve; causing solution; solvent. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. resolvens, p. pr. of resolvere: cf. F. résolvant. See Resolve. ] 1. That which has the power of resolving, or causing solution; a solvent. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Med.) That which has power to disperse inflammatory or other tumors; a discutient; anything which aids the absorption of effused products. Coxe. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Math.) An equation upon whose solution the solution of a given pproblem depends. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. That which decomposes, or dissolves. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which clears up and removes difficulties, and makes the mind certain or determined. Bp. Burnet. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. One who resolves, or formal a firm purpose. [ 1913 Webster ]