The Meaning of Resolute: What It Is and How To Use It

Do you know the definition of resolute? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word resolute, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!

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What does the word resolute mean?

According to Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary, the word resolute (pronounced ˈrɛz əˌlut) is an adjective that means firmly resolved, determined, or set in some purpose or opinion.  This determined person is often considered stubborn or stalwart, having an unshakeable faith or opinion about something. For example, someone who takes resolute action to take down a corrupt business is unflappable in their quest to do so. Someone who stands in resolute opposition to something will not waver no matter how hard others try and convince them. Try using this word of the day or other new words in a sentence today!

Many different languages also contain words that mean resolute. You may notice that some of these words look and sound similar to the word resolute. These are called cognates, which are words that mean the same thing as well as look and sound similar across languages. Cognates are often formed when two words have the same root, or when two languages share a common language of origin such as Latin or Greek. This list of translations for the word resolute is provided by Word Sense.

  • Czech: odhodlaný‎ (masc.)
  • Turkish: azimli‎, dirençli‎, kararlı‎
  • German: entschieden‎, entschlossen‎, resolut‎
  • Russian: непоколеби́мый‎, реши́тельный‎, твёрдый‎
  • Maori: titikaha‎, niwha‎, pikoni‎, whakakiriūka‎
  • Catalan: resolut‎
  • Swedish: resolut‎, bestämd‎
  • French: résolu‎ (masc.), résolue‎ (fem.), ferme‎ (masc.) (f), déterminé‎ (masc.), déterminée‎ (fem.)
  • Spanish: resoluto‎
  • Portuguese: resuelto
  • Italian: risoluto
  • Finnish: päättäväinen‎, luja‎, peräänantamaton‎

What is the origin of the word resolute?

According to Etymonline, the word resolute has been used since the early 15th century to mean dissolved or morally lax. This comes from the Latin resolutus which is the past participle of resolvere, a Latin verb meaning to untie of loosen. This word has been used to mean determined or final since roughly the year 1500. The phrase resolute answer was common in the 16th century. This word has been used to describe people since the 1530s. Related words include resolution, the adverb resolutely, the noun resoluteness, resolve, and irresolute. 

How can the word resolute be used in a sentence?

The word resolute can be used in many different ways. Below are a few examples of resolute being used in common conversation. Lux and Riley are struggling to potty train their toddler.

Riley: Any luck getting him to go to the bathroom before bed?

Lux: Nope. He’s pretty resolute to keep it all inside. I’m half-tempted to let him wear underwear to bed so he can feel how gross it is when he does wet himself.

Riley: Yeah, I’m coming to the end of my rope here.

Here, Lux and Riley describe their toddler as resolute. Their son is determined not to go to the bathroom on the toilet, but instead to keep wearing diapers. In this next example, Riley has found out that the men at her company are being paid more than the women for doing the same job. She confronts her boss.

Riley: Can you explain to me why every man at this company is making an average of four dollars more an hour than the women for doing the same job?

Boss: Riley, calm down. They simply have more experience. We base our salaries off of experience. Not gender.

Riley: You’re telling me every man here has more experience than their female counterparts? 

Boss: Yes.

Riley: You’re wrong, and if this does not change, I’m leaving. Don’t try to change my mind, I am completely resolute about this. 

What are synonyms and antonyms for the word resolute?

There are many different words and phrases that mean the same thing as the word resolute. These are called synonyms. Synonyms are a very useful English grammatical device to know because they can help people avoid repeating themselves in written work and conversation as well as expanding their vocabulary. This list of synonyms for the word resolute is provided by Thesaurus.

  • unbending
  • unwavering
  • dogged
  • aweless
  • set in one’s ways
  • unflagging
  • opinionated
  • obdurate
  • unchanging
  • bantam
  • settled
  • persistent
  • undaunted
  • fixed
  • self-willed
  • cussed
  • intrepid
  • resolute
  • uncompromising
  • tenacious
  • headstrong
  • unmanageable
  • unshakable
  • dauntless
  • hardheaded
  • inexorable
  • bullheaded
  • mulish
  • courageous
  • dead set on
  • resolved
  • willful
  • purposeful
  • strong-willed
  • steady
  • unflinching
  • intent upon
  • determined
  • unreasonable
  • serious
  • staunch
  • inflexible
  • constant
  • immutable
  • forward
  • adamant
  • audacious
  • fearless
  • true
  • pertinacious
  • single-minded
  • rebellious
  • steadfast
  • unyielding
  • untoward
  • gallant
  • meaning business
  • valiant
  • perverse
  • firm
  • insubordinate
  • persisting
  • brave
  • daring
  • persevering
  • assuming
  • unfaltering
  • adventurous
  • valorous
  • bold
  • tough
  • unafraid
  • relentless
  • decided
  • stiff-necked
  • loyal
  • enterprising
  • rigid
  • cantankerous
  • intractable
  • unshaken
  • heroic
  • stubborn
  • strong
  • ornery
  • balky
  • pigheaded
  • faithful
  • refractory
  • recalcitrant
  • set
  • obstinate
  • contumacious

There are also many different words and phrases that mean the opposite of the word resolute. These are called antonyms. Antonyms are another useful English language device to know because they are a simple way to improve your vocabulary. This list of antonyms for the word resolute is also provided by Thesaurus

  • obedient
  • lowly
  • patient
  • hesitating
  • unresisting
  • shaky
  • obeisant
  • deferential
  • irresolute
  • meek
  • nonresistant
  • malleable
  • weak-kneed
  • halfhearted
  • dutiful
  • unsteady
  • comformable
  • pliable
  • timid
  • wishy-washy
  • amenable
  • domesticated
  • bowing down
  • faltering
  • waffling
  • accommodating
  • obeying
  • undetermined
  • acquiescent
  • resigned
  • wimpy
  • tame
  • unstable
  • fluctuating
  • wavering
  • submissive
  • hot-and-cold
  • changing
  • complying
  • infirm
  • wobbly
  • tentative
  • compliant
  • slavish
  • humble
  • abject
  • servile
  • weak
  • passive
  • obsequious
  • tractable
  • halting
  • menial
  • subdued
  • indecisive
  • doubtful
  • giving-in
  • uncomplaining
  • pliant
  • yielding
  • on-the-fence
  • ingratiating
  • fickle
  • vacillating
  • doubting
  • docile
  • nonresisting
  • undecided
  • unsettled
  • yes
  • fearful
  • hesitant
  • uncertain

Overall, the word resolute is an adjective that is used to describe someone who is stubborn or determined. This word can be used in many different circumstances in sentences in the English language, and is Latin in origin. 

Sources:

  1. https://www.wordsense.eu/resolute/
  2. https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/irresolute
  3. https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/resolute 
  4. https://www.etymonline.com/word/resolute
  5. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resolute
  6. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/resolute