verb
resolve
To separate a whole into distinguishable parts.
The telescope resolves two nearby stars as separate points of light.
Etymology
Latin resolvere means to loosen or unbind. Resolving a whole into parts separates what was joined so that the components can be distinguished.
More examples
- A prism resolves white light into its component colors.
- The engineer resolves the force into horizontal and vertical components.
- This microscope cannot resolve the smallest details in the sample.
Forms
resolve · resolves · resolved · resolving
resolution noun — The ability to distinguish closely spaced details.
resolvable adjective — Capable of being separated into distinct parts.
Similar words
- separate
- Separate broadly means to divide or move things apart.
- distinguish
- Distinguish emphasizes recognizing differences rather than separating underlying components.