Re*solv`a*bil"i*ty (r?-z?lv`?-b?l"?-t?), n. The quality or condition of
being resolvable; resolvableness.
Re*solv"a*ble (r?-z?lv"?-b'l), a. [See Resolve, and cf. Resoluble.]
Admitting of being resolved; admitting separation into constituent
parts, or reduction to first principles; admitting solution or
explanation; as, resolvable compounds; resolvable ideas or
difficulties.
Re*solv"a*ble*ness, n. The quality of being resolvable; resolvability.
Re*solve" (r?*z?lv"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Resolved (-z?lvd"); p. pr. &
vb. n. Resolving.] [L. resolvere, resolutum, to untie, loosen, relax,
enfeeble; pref. re- re- + solvere to loosen, dissolve: cf. F. résoudare
to resolve. See Solve, and cf. Resolve, v. i., Resolute, Resolution.]
1. To separate the component parts of; to reduce to the constituent
elements; -- said of compound substances; hence, sometimes, to melt, or
dissolve.
O, that this too too solid flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve
itself into a dew!
Shak.
Ye immortal souls, who once were men, And now resolved to elements
again.
Dryden.
2. To reduce to simple or intelligible notions; -- said of complex
ideas or obscure questions; to make clear or certain; to free from
doubt; to disentangle; to unravel; to explain; hence, to clear up, or
dispel, as doubt; as, to resolve a riddle. "Resolve my doubt." Shak.
To the resolving whereof we must first know that the Jews were
commanded to divorce an unbelieving Gentile.
Milton.
3. To cause to perceive or understand; to acquaint; to inform; to
convince; to assure; to make certain.
Sir, be resolved. I must and will come.
Beau. & Fl.
Resolve me, Reason, which of these is worse, Want with a full, or
with an empty purse?
Pope.
In health, good air, pleasure, riches, I am resolved it can not be
equaled by any region.
Sir W. Raleigh.
We must be resolved how the law can be pure and perspicuous, and
yet throw a polluted skirt over these Eleusinian mysteries.
Milton.
4. To determine or decide in purpose; to make ready in mind; to fix; to
settle; as, he was resolved by an unexpected event.
5. To express, as an opinion or determination, by resolution and vote;
to declare or decide by a formal vote; -- followed by a clause; as, the
house resolved (or, it was resolved by the house) that no money should
be apropriated (or, to appropriate no money).
6. To change or convert by resolution or formal vote; -- used only
reflexively; as, the house resolved itself into a committee of the
whole.
7. (Math.) To solve, as a problem, by enumerating the several things to
be done, in order to obtain what is required; to find the answer to, or
the result of. Hutton.
8. (Med.) To dispere or scatter; to discuss, as an inflammation or a
tumor.
9. (Mus.) To let the tones (as of a discord) follow their several
tendencies, resulting in a concord.