rez-uh-LOO-shun
RESOLUTION is a firm decision to do or not do something, the action of solving a problem, or the clarity and detail visible in an image or display.
10
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
đź’ˇ Pro Tip:
RESOLUTION is a 10-letter word, requiring creative play across existing tiles. Look for opportunities to build from shorter words like "SOLUTION" or extend "RESOLUTE" with the -ION suffix.
Resolution is a multifaceted word that captures the human capacity for determination, problem-solving, and clarity. At its core, it represents the act of resolving—whether that's making a firm decision, solving a complex problem, or bringing clarity to an uncertain situation. The word embodies both the process and the outcome of determination.
In personal development, a resolution is a solemn promise to oneself, often marking a commitment to change or improvement. These declarations of intent, famously made at New Year but possible at any moment, represent our aspirations for betterment. Whether it's quitting a bad habit, adopting healthier behaviors, or pursuing new goals, resolutions embody human optimism and the belief in our capacity for change.
In conflict and problem-solving contexts, resolution means finding solutions that address underlying issues. This might involve diplomatic negotiations between nations, mediation in workplace disputes, or personal reconciliation. The process requires understanding, compromise, and often creative thinking to transform conflict into agreement.
In technology, resolution quantifies clarity and detail. From the pixels on your smartphone screen to the quality of digital photographs, resolution determines how much information can be displayed or captured. Higher resolution means greater detail, whether we're talking about 4K televisions, high-resolution cameras, or medical imaging equipment that can detect minute abnormalities.
The word also carries formal weight in organizational settings. Corporate boards pass resolutions to establish policy, governments adopt resolutions to express collective will, and international bodies like the United Nations use resolutions as instruments of global governance. These formal declarations carry legal and moral authority.
In word games, RESOLUTION presents both challenges and opportunities. Its ten letters make it too long for a standard seven-tile rack, requiring players to build upon existing board tiles. The word's common letters (all worth 1 point in Scrabble) mean its value comes from length bonuses and strategic placement rather than high-value tiles.
The word "resolution" traces its roots to the Latin resolutionem (nominativeresolutio), meaning "a loosening, solution." This derives from the verbresolvere—literally "to loosen again" or "to release"—combining re-(expressing intensive force or reversal) with solvere (to loosen, untie, or solve).
The semantic journey of "resolution" reflects humanity's evolving needs:
The metaphorical shift from "loosening" to "deciding firmly" might seem contradictory, but it reflects the idea of "loosening" mental knots—resolving uncertainty into clarity. When we make a resolution, we "untie" the confusion of multiple options and settle on a single course of action.
Related words sharing the Latin root solvere include: solve, dissolve, absolute, solution, solvent, and resolve. Each carries the core idea of loosening, freeing, or finding answers.
Words with similar meaning
Determination
Firmness of purpose; resolve
Solution
Answer to a problem
Decision
Conclusion reached after consideration
Settlement
Resolution of a dispute
Clarity
Quality of being clear (visual context)
Resolve
Firm determination to do something
Words with opposite meaning
Indecision
Inability to make decisions quickly
Uncertainty
State of being unsure
Irresolution
Lack of firm purpose
Conflict
Continued disagreement (opposite of resolved conflict)
Blurriness
Lack of visual clarity
Hesitation
Pause before acting; uncertainty
Verb Form
resolve
She resolved to start exercising daily.
Adjective Form
resolute
He remained resolute despite the challenges.
Adverb Form
resolutely
They resolutely pursued their goals.
Plural Form
resolutions
The committee passed several resolutions.
Related Terms
Annual commitment to self-improvement
Process of solving disputes
Great detail in images/displays
Methods for settling disagreements
"Sarah's resolution to advance her career led her to enroll in night classes while maintaining her full-time job."
"The mediation resulted in a resolution that satisfied both parties, avoiding costly litigation."
"After months of negotiation, the union and management finally reached a resolution on the wage dispute."
Photography: "The new camera sensor offers unprecedented resolution, capturing details invisible to the naked eye."
Medicine: "The MRI's high resolution allowed doctors to detect the tiny tumor early."
Astronomy: "The telescope's resolution was insufficient to distinguish between the binary stars."
Total base points: 10 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 5 | Consonants: 5
All common letters: Strategic value
10-letter anagrams and related words
Full anagrams:
Can be found within:
Partial anagrams (9 letters):
đź’ˇ Tip: Look for shorter words within RESOLUTION like SOLUTION, ROULETTE (partial), and LOTION!
If you can't play RESOLUTION, consider these subwords:
The practice of making New Year's resolutions has become a global phenomenon, with approximately 40% of Americans and similar percentages worldwide participating. Common resolutions include health improvements (exercise, diet), financial goals, and personal development. The tradition reflects humanity's perpetual hope for self-improvement and fresh starts.
UN Security Council resolutions shape global politics. Resolution 242 (1967) remains central to Middle East peace efforts. Resolution 1973 (2011) authorized intervention in Libya. These documents demonstrate how "resolution" carries the weight of international law and collective decision-making.
Screen resolution has become a key specification for consumer electronics. From the early days of 640x480 VGA to today's 8K displays (7680x4320), resolution improvements have transformed entertainment, medical imaging, satellite surveillance, and scientific visualization. The pursuit of higher resolution drives billions in technology investment.
Psychologists study why resolutions often fail. The "fresh start effect" explains why we prefer making resolutions at temporal landmarks (New Year, birthdays, Mondays). Research shows specific, measurable resolutions have higher success rates than vague aspirations. The act of resolution-making itself provides psychological benefits, even when goals aren't achieved.
Resolution vs. Solution
Resolution is the act/decision; solution is the answer
Resolution vs. Resolve
Resolution is the noun; resolve is verb/noun for determination
High resolution ≠High definition
Related but technically different measurements
Pronunciation: rez-uh-LOO-shun
Not "rez-oh-LOO-shun" or "REZ-olution"
RESOLVE
Firm determination
SOLUTION
Answer to a problem
DETERMINATION
Firmness of purpose
DECISION
Conclusion reached
CLARITY
Quality of being clear
REVOLUTION
Complete change
EVOLUTION
Gradual development
ABSOLUTION
Formal forgiveness
DISSOLUTION
Breaking apart
Other valuable long words in Scrabble
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like RESOLUTION