Resolution vs. Solution: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 5, 2023
Resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something; Solution is a means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.
Key Differences
The terms "resolution" and "solution" are distinct in their application and meaning. A "resolution" is primarily a formal expression of opinion or intention agreed upon by a legislative body, committee, or other formal meeting, typically after taking a vote. For instance, the United Nations passes resolutions to express its collective opinion on global issues. It can also refer to a firm decision made by an individual, often reflecting commitment and determination.
"Solution," in contrast, typically refers to a method or process for solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation. For example, finding a cure for a disease would be considered a solution to a medical problem. It's about addressing issues or challenges and overcoming them effectively, and it may not necessarily involve formal decisions or expressions of opinion as a resolution does.
"Resolution" can also denote the quality of being determined or resolute. It reflects steadfastness and unwavering determination in adhering to a course of action, decision, or belief. In contrast, "solution" in chemistry refers to a liquid mixture in which the minor component (the solute) is uniformly distributed within the major component (the solvent), exemplifying its broader application in various fields.
Moreover, "resolution" might denote the degree of detail visible in a photographic or television image, highlighting its versatility in usage. In contrast, "solution" could refer to the act of separating or being separated, illustrating its diverse applications in different contexts and disciplines.
In essence, while "resolution" primarily revolves around decisions, expressions of opinion, and determination, "solution" is more about addressing and resolving problems, challenges, or difficulties, each having its unique applications in various domains.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
A firm decision to do or not do something.
A means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.
Contextual Use
Can be used in legislative or individual context.
Primarily used in problem-solving contexts.
Field of Use
Applied in various fields including photography and politics.
Applied broadly including chemistry and mathematics.
Attribute
Denotes determination and detail.
Reflects resolving and addressing issues.
Application
Expresses opinion, intention, or commitment.
Involves methods, processes, or answers to deal with problems.
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Resolution and Solution Definitions
Resolution
The quality of being determined or resolute.
He showed great resolution in facing the challenges.
Solution
A means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.
We are working to find a solution to this issue.
Resolution
A formal expression of opinion by a meeting.
The committee passed a resolution to support the initiative.
Solution
A liquid mixture in which a minor component is uniformly distributed within the major component.
Saltwater is a solution of salt in water.
Resolution
The degree of detail visible in a photographic or television image.
The camera has a high resolution.
Solution
The correct answer to a puzzle or problem.
She finally found the solution to the math problem.
Resolution
The action of solving a problem or contentious matter.
The peaceful resolution of all disputes is preferable.
Solution
The process of finding answers to a problem or the state of being solved.
The solution of the mystery was unexpected.
Resolution
The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination
Faced the situation with resolution.
Solution
A method or process of dealing with a problem
Sought a solution to falling enrollments.
Resolution
A firm decision to do something
Made a resolution to get more exercise.
Solution
The answer to a problem or the explanation for something
The solution to the mystery.
Resolution
A course of action determined or decided on
His resolution is to get up early.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, which may be solids, liquids, gases, or a combination of these.
Resolution
The act of solving or explaining a problem or puzzle.
Solution
The process of forming such a mixture.
Resolution
The resolving or concluding of a dispute or disagreement.
Solution
The state of being dissolved
Nitrogen that is in solution in the ocean.
Resolution
The part of a literary work in which the complications of the plot are resolved or simplified.
Solution
(Archaic) The act of separating or breaking up; dissolution.
Resolution
A formal statement of a decision or expression of opinion put before or adopted by an assembly such as the US Congress.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture, which may be liquid, gas or solid, formed by dissolving one or more substances.
Resolution
Physics & Chemistry The act or process of separating or reducing something into its constituent parts
The prismatic resolution of sunlight into its spectral colors.
Solution
An act, plan or other means, used or proposed, to solve a problem.
Resolution
The clarity or fineness of detail that can be distinguished in an image, often measured as the number or the density of the discrete units, such as pixels or dots, that compose it.
Solution
An answer to a problem.
Resolution
(Medicine) The subsiding or termination of an abnormal condition, such as a fever or inflammation.
Solution
(marketing) A product, service or suite thereof, especially software.
Resolution
The progression of a dissonant tone or chord to a consonant tone or chord.
Solution
Satisfaction of a claim or debt.
Resolution
The tone or chord to which such a progression is made.
Solution
The act of dissolving, especially of a solid by a fluid; dissolution.
Resolution
The substitution of one metrical unit for another, especially the substitution of two short syllables for one long syllable in quantitative verse.
Solution
The crisis of a disease.
Resolution
A strong will, determination.
Solution
To treat with a solution.
Resolution
The state of being resolute.
His stalwart resolution is perhaps admirable, perhaps foolish.
Solution
The act of separating the parts of any body, or the condition of undergoing a separation of parts; disruption; breach.
In all bodies there is an appetite of union and evitation of solution of continuity.
Resolution
A statement of intent, a vow
By February, most New Year's resolutions are forgotten.
My resolution is to cut back on the fast food this year.
Solution
The act of solving, or the state of being solved; the disentanglement of any intricate problem or difficult question; explanation; clearing up; - used especially in mathematics, either of the process of solving an equation or problem, or the result of the process.
Resolution
The act of discerning detail.
Solution
The state of being dissolved or disintegrated; resolution; disintegration.
It is unquestionably an enterprise of more promise to assail the nations in their hour of faintness and solution, than at a time when magnificent and seductive systems of worship were at their height of energy and splendor.
Resolution
(computing, photography) The degree of fineness with which an image can be recorded or produced, often expressed as the number of pixels per unit of length (typically an inch).
Printing at higher resolution will cause a reduction in performance.
Solution
The act or process by which a body (whether solid, liquid, or gaseous) is absorbed into a liquid, and, remaining or becoming fluid, is diffused throughout the solvent; also, the product resulting from such absorption.
Resolution
(computing) The number of pixels in an image being stored or displayed.
This monitor's maximum resolution is 1600 × 1200.
Solution
Release; deliverance; discharge.
Resolution
(computing) The process of determining the meaning of a symbol or address; lookup.
Name resolution
Solution
The termination of a disease; resolution.
Resolution
(math) The act or process of solving; solution.
The resolution of an equation
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution;
He used a solution of peroxide and water
Resolution
A formal statement adopted by an assembly, or during any other formal meeting.
The resolution was passed by a two-thirds majority.
Solution
A statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem;
They were trying to find a peaceful solution
The answers were in the back of the book
He computed the result to four decimal places
Resolution
(sciences) The separation of the constituent parts (of a spectrum etc).
Solution
A method for solving a problem;
The easy solution is to look it up in the handbook
Resolution
(sciences) The degree of fineness of such a separation.
Solution
The set of values that give a true statement when substituted into an equation
Resolution
(music) Progression from dissonance to consonance; a chord to which such progression is made.
Solution
The successful action of solving a problem;
The solution took three hours
Resolution
(literature) The moment in which the conflict ends and the outcome of the action is clear.
Solution
The act of separating or being separated.
The solution of the compound was completed in the lab.
Resolution
(medicine) In a pathological process, the phase during which pathogens and damaged tissues are removed by macrophages.
Resolution
The act, operation, or process of resolving.
The unraveling and resolution of the difficulties that are met with in the execution of the design are the end of an action.
Resolution
The state of being relaxed; relaxation.
Resolution
The state of being resolved, settled, or determined; firmness; steadiness; constancy; determination.
Be it with resolution then to fight.
Resolution
That which is resolved or determined; a settled purpose; determination. Specifically: A formal expression of the opinion or will of an official body or a public assembly, adopted by vote; as, a legislative resolution; the resolutions of a public meeting.
Resolution
The state of being resolved or firm in opinion or thought; conviction; assurance.
Little resolution and certainty there is as touching the islands of Mauritania.
Resolution
The act or process of solving; solution; as, the resolution of an equation or problem.
Resolution
A breaking up, disappearance; or termination, as of a fever, a tumor, or the like.
Resolution
The passing of a dissonant into a consonant chord by the rising or falling of the note which makes the discord.
Resolution
The act of distinguishing between two close but not identical objects, or, when taking a measurement, bbetween two close values of the property measured.
Resolution
A measure of the ability to distinguish between two close but not identical values of the property being measured; it is expressed as the difference in values of a property necessary to make such a distinction; as, a microscope with a resolution of one micron; a thermometer with a resolution of one-tenth of a degree. Also called resolving power.
Resolution
A formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote
Resolution
The ability of a microscope or telescope to measure the angular separation of images that are close together
Resolution
The trait of being resolute; firmness of purpose;
His resoluteness carried him through the battle
It was his unshakeable resolution to finish the work
Resolution
Finding a solution to a problem
Resolution
Something settled or resolved; the outcome of decision making;
The finally reached a settlement with the union
They never did achieve a final resolution of their differences
He needed to grieve before he could achieve a sense of closure
Resolution
Analysis into clear-cut components
Resolution
(computer science) the number of pixels per square inch on a computer-generated display; the greater the resolution, the better the picture
Resolution
The subsidence of swelling or others signs of inflammation (especially in a lung)
Resolution
(music) a dissonant chord is followed by a consonant chord
Resolution
A statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem;
They were trying to find a peaceful solution
The answers were in the back of the book
He computed the result to four decimal places
Resolution
A decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner;
He always wrote down his New Year's resolutions
Resolution
A firm decision to do or not do something.
She made a resolution to exercise daily.
FAQs
Can a solution refer to a liquid mixture?
Yes, it can refer to a mixture where a solute is distributed within a solvent.
Is a resolution always a formal decision made by a group?
No, it can also be a personal, firm decision or commitment.
Does resolution always imply solving a problem?
No, it primarily refers to a decision or determination rather than solving a problem.
Does a resolution always solve a dispute?
Not necessarily, it can be a decision or expression of opinion, but it might not resolve a dispute.
Can solution refer to the process of solving?
Yes, it can denote the process of finding answers or the state of being solved.
Can a solution be the method to solve a problem?
Yes, it can refer to a method or process for solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.
Can a resolution be a personal commitment?
Yes, individuals can make resolutions as firm decisions or commitments.
Can solution be used to describe the answer to a puzzle?
Yes, it can refer to the correct answer to a puzzle or problem.
Can resolution refer to image quality?
Yes, it can denote the degree of detail visible in an image.
Can resolution imply steadfastness?
Yes, it can denote the quality of being determined or resolute.
Is finding a cure for a disease considered a solution?
Yes, it’s a solution as it addresses and resolves a medical problem.
Is resolution used in photography?
Yes, it’s used to describe the degree of detail visible in a photographic or television image.
Is a solution always related to problems?
Primarily yes, but it can also refer to liquid mixtures in chemistry among other meanings.
Can resolution refer to the action of solving a problem?
Yes, it can also refer to the action of solving a problem or contentious matter.
Does a solution always involve a liquid mixture?
No, while it can refer to a liquid mixture, it has broader meanings related to solving problems.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
