How to pronounce resolve
Say it like ree-ZOLV. Resolve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZOLV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce resolve. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ree
- ZOLV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Resolve pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ZOLVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of resolve
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: rih-ZOLV.
What does resolve mean?
- bring to an end; settle conclusively“The case was decided”“The judge decided the case in favor of the plaintiff”
- reach a conclusion after a discussion or deliberation
- reach a decision“he resolved never to drink again”
- the trait of being resolute“his resoluteness carried him through the battle”“it was his unshakeable resolution to finish the work”
- a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote
Where does resolve come from?
From Middle English resolven, from Old French resolver, a learned borrowing of Latin resolvō (“loosen, thaw, melt, resolve”), equivalent to re- + solve.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with resolve
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of resolve.
Questions about saying resolve
How do you pronounce resolve?
Say ree-ZOLV. The American pronunciation is /riˈzɑlv/. In British English it is /rɪˈzɒlv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in resolve?
Resolve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZOLV). Broken into parts: ree · ZOLV.
Is resolve pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /rɪˈzɒlv/ (rih-ZOLV).