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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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.
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.
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.