The verb "resolve" has Latin bits that literally mean "to untie, to loosen, or to explain." We often use "resolve" to mean "fix or solve," as in "They resolved that problem." The idea here, at least metaphorically, is that you're breaking something down into its smallest parts to discover what's really true or what should really be done. 

Because breaking down an issue into its parts often leads you to an answer or a course of action that you can support with confidence, the word  "resolve" also grew to mean "to make up your mind very firmly to do something." It became a noun, too: when you have have resolve, you have a strong belief that you've made the right decision and you're going to see it through.

That brings us to the adjectives!

Resolute people have made up their minds: they are firm and confident in their choices.

Irresolute people haven't. Irresolute people are not confident in their choices, and might go back and forth, struggling to make up their minds.

Part of speech:

Adjectives: "She is resolute on the campaign trail;" "When we called out to them, they stopped and turned, but they stood still, irresolute."

Other forms: 

Resolve, resolved, resolving;
resolution, irresolution;
resolutely, irresolutely.

how to use them:

Pick these common, formal words when you want to sound serious.

"Resolute" has a very positive tone. You might talk about resolute people and their resolute moods, positions, or decisions, or about their resolute support of something (or opposition to something). You could say that someone is resolute in their belief, or resolute that something must happen. You might describe someone's face, eyes, nod, or handshake as resolute. And you might get more abstract and talk about someone's resolute energy, determination, or commitment.

"Irresolute" has a neutral or negative tone. You might talk about irresolute people and their irresolute gestures (like irresolute shrugs) or irresolute movements (like irresolute steps). In fiction, especially, we often see people standing still, irresolute: not doing anything, not able to make up their minds. You could also get pretty abstract and describe a narrative plot, a piece of music, or even the weather as irresolute, as if it can't make up its mind.

examples:

"I look into his eyes, which are tired but resolute, and I know he’s still fighting for all of us."
— Hena Khan, Amina's Voice, 2017

     "Aragorn... sighed as if some memory stirred in him. 'We must fend for ourselves tonight. We will go forward a short way, until the trees are all about us, and then we will turn aside from the path and seek a place to rest in.'
     He stepped forward; but Boromir stood irresolute and did not follow. 'Is there no other way?' he said."
— J. R. R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 1954

has this page helped you understand "resolute" & "irresolute"?

Awesome, I'm glad it helped!

Thanks for letting me know!
If you have any questions about these words, please message me at Liesl@HiloTutor.com.

study them:

Explain the meaning of "resolute" without saying "having your mind totally made up" or "absolutely certain."

And, explain the meaning of "irresolute" without saying "wishy-washy" or "on the fence."

try one out:

Think of a hero or other character that you like from a book, a show, or a movie. See if you can fill in all of these blanks:

1. ("My character) is a resolute (type of person)."

2. "With a resolute glance, (my character) insisted on (something)."

3. "(My character) is resolute in their (belief in something or devotion to someone or something)."

For example:

1. "Samwise is a resolute traveler."

2. "With a resolute glance, Samwise insisted on sticking by Frodo's side."

3. "Samwise is resolute in his devotion to Frodo."

If you like, use this space to write. (To save your work, copy and paste it into an email or a document.)

before you review, play:

Try to spend 20 seconds or more on the game below. Don’t skip straight to the review—first, let your working memory empty out.

Our game for March is "Tidbits and Titles: Books That Became Movies!"

I provide the tidbits; you provide the title. And every answer will be a book that has been made into a movie. To see the answer, scroll all the way down. Let's play!

Here's a quote from the book: "But such behavior as this–having tea in the air with your guests–Mr. Wigg, sir, I'm astonished at you!"

Here are some words and phrases that often appear in that book: Bird woman, Cherry-Tree Lane, dancing, funny, garden, Gingerbread, gloves, laughter, moon, nursery, shoes, sigh, sky, smiled, tea, whisper, wonder.

What's the book's title?

review this word:

1. The precise opposite of RESOLUTE is IRRESOLUTE. But a close opposite of RESOLUTE is

A. PICKY.
B. STRICT.
C. FICKLE.

2. When a character in a novel is irresolute, they're likely to be _____.

A. rushing forward unthinkingly, trying to save someone
B. sitting or standing still, trying to make up their minds
C. moving quickly from place to place, trying to do as much good as possible

Answers to the review questions: 1. C 2. B Answer to the game question: Mary Poppins.

a final word:

I hope you're enjoying Make Your Point. It's made with love. I'm Liesl Johnson, a reading and writing tutor on a mission to explore, illuminate, and celebrate words. From my blog: On vocabulary...       36 ways to study words.       Why we forget words, & how to remember them.       How to use sophisticated words without being awkward. On writing...       How to improve any sentence.       How to motivate our kids to write.       How to stop procrastinating and start writing.       How to bulk up your writing when you have to meet a word count. From my heart: a profound thanks to the generous patrons, donors, and sponsors that make it possible for me to write these emails. If you'd like to be a patron or a donor, please click here. If you'd like to be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, please contact me at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. A disclaimer: When I write definitions, I use plain language and stick to the words' common, useful applications. If you're interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words, I encourage you to check a dictionary. Also, because I'm American, I stick to American English when I share words' meanings, usage, and pronunciations; these elements sometimes vary across world Englishes.