resolute

1 of 2

adjective

res·​o·​lute ˈre-zə-ˌlüt How to pronounce resolute (audio)
-lət
1
: marked by firm determination : resolved
a resolute character
2
: bold, steady
a resolute gaze
resolutely
ˈre-zə-ˌlüt-lē How to pronounce resolute (audio)
-lət-;
ˌre-zə-ˈlüt-
adverb
resoluteness
ˈre-zə-ˌlüt-nəs How to pronounce resolute (audio)
-lət-
ˌre-zə-ˈlüt-
noun

resolute

2 of 2

noun

: a resolute person

Did you know?

Resolve to Define Resolute

Resolute comes from the same Latin verb as resolved, and the two words are often synonyms. So how did it get this meaning from the Latin? Essentially, when you resolve a question or problem, you come to a conclusion, and once you've reached a conclusion you can proceed to act. So in your New Year's resolutions, you resolve—or make up your mind—to do something. Unfortunately, New Year's resolutions aren't a good illustration of the meaning of resolute, since only about one in ten actually seems to succeed.

Choose the Right Synonym for resolute

faithful, loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute mean firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance.

faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

faithful to her promise

loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

Examples of resolute in a Sentence

Adjective She is a resolute competitor. He has remained resolute in his opposition to the bill. a leader with a stern and resolute manner
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Apache Stronghold, with the backing of the nation's largest religious freedom law firm, Becket Law, is resolute in its commitment to fight for the religious site's protection. Kaely Monahan, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 Images of Beckwith – stoic but resolute – with the president’s hand on his shoulder became an iconic symbol of fortitude. Holly Yan, CNN, 5 Feb. 2024 On one track would be a strong and resolute stand on Iran, including a robust military retaliation against Iran’s proxies and agents in the region in response to the killing of three U.S. soldiers at a base in Jordan by a drone apparently launched by a pro-Iranian militia in Iraq. Thomas Friedman, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2024 McConnell has made Ukraine his top priority in recent months, and was resolute in the face of considerable pushback from his own GOP conference. TIME, 13 Feb. 2024 Yoon did not specifically deny that his wife had accepted the bag but expressed regret that Kim was not more resolute with Choi. Yoonjung Seo, CNN, 9 Feb. 2024 Diaw’s often catatonic expression communicates both rage and resolute purposefulness. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 29 Jan. 2024 In a New Year’s interview with the Economist, Zelensky sounded resolute but realistic about what can be achieved this year, absent the ability to break through Russia’s multilayered defenses to cause a collapse of the front lines in the occupied southern region of the country. Jamie McIntyre, Washington Examiner, 12 Jan. 2024 Budanov was resolute in his confidence in a full victory for Ukraine over Russia, despite the public concerns over the fatigue of Ukrainian troops, Russia’s advantage in domestic military production and the lack of movement on the frontlines. Joseph Ataman, CNN, 31 Jan. 2024
Noun
Johnson crafted a subtle gesture of self-love — not pompous or vain, but simple and resolute. Entertainment & Arts The Huntington was gifted four major paintings this year. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024 The more resolute the Fed is, the faster the economy will cool and the sooner rates will fall. Brett Owens, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 During this time, Jesus was repeatedly tempted by Satan yet remained resolute in fasting and prayer. Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 19 Feb. 2024 Clarice Starling became a kind of blueprint for Foster’s future characters in movies such as Contact, Panic Room, and Inside Man: intelligent, alone, duty bound, vulnerable but resolute. Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2024 Young, a two-time Tony nominee, gives a striking performance as the resolute and melancholy Jones. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 14 June 2023 Sabato De Sarno, Gucci’s new creative director, has been the most resolute of all. Andrea Batilla, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2024 For the rest of the first half, Manchester United remained resolute and compact, keeping the ball well and creating chances of their own. Liam Canning, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 Friday morning, the sides convened again at the State Department, allowing reporters in briefly for photos — no talking — in which both the American and Chinese delegations appeared to have received memos to be staunch, resolute, and grim-faced. Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'resolute.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin resolutus, past participle of resolvere

First Known Use

Adjective

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of resolute was in 1522

Dictionary Entries Near resolute

Cite this Entry

“Resolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resolute. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

resolute

adjective
res·​o·​lute
ˈrez-ə-ˌlüt
1
: marked by firm determination
a resolute character
2
: steady entry 1
a resolute gaze
resolutely adverb
resoluteness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on resolute

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!