DictionaryresolutionClarity of detail
noun

resolution

The degree to which fine details can be distinguished.

The camera's high resolution reveals tiny cracks in the paint.

Etymology

The older word concerns separating or loosening into parts. Image resolution applies that separation to distinguishing fine details that would otherwise merge together.

More examples

  • At this resolution, the small print looks blurry.
  • The microscope's resolution lets us distinguish two neighboring cells.
  • These monitors support several screen resolutions.

Forms

resolution · resolutions

resolve verb — To distinguish closely spaced details as separate.

Similar words

sharpness
Emphasizes crisp edges rather than the smallest distinguishable details.
clarity
Describes overall visual clearness, not specifically the separation of fine details.