resolution

A resolution is a decision to achieve an important goal. This is usually a personal goal. People often make resolutions at the beginning of each new year or before New Year’s Eve. Typical resolutions involve doing something that improves one’s health, such as losing weight or giving up smoking. Other resolutions are related to career or financial goals.

• I have made a resolution to stop eating ice cream sundaes late at night.
• Vince’s resolution is to give up smoking.
• Bella told everyone her New Year’s resolution was to save enough money for a trip to Paris.
• Abel’s resolution is to lose 20 pounds in the first six months of the year.
• Have you made any resolutions for the new year?

The adjective form of this word is "resolute."

• She remains resolute in achieving her goals.
• Lawmakers are resolute in finding a way forward through the crisis.

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This page was first published on December 31, 2012. It was updated on September 29, 2015.