resolutely

resolutely — adverb

1. acting with strong and unwavering determination, especially when facing oppositi

1.adverbC1
Definition

acting with strong and unwavering determination, especially when facing opposition, difficulty, or doubt

Example

Hamza resolutely refused to sign the agreement, even when his lawyer advised him to.

resolutely refused — common verb pair for standing firm

Despite fierce opposition, the council resolutely defended its decision to build a new road.

resolutely defended — used for institutions defending a position

Common collocations
  • resolutely refuse
  • resolutely defend
  • resolutely oppose
  • resolutely continue
  • resolutely stand by
Synonyms
  • firmly

    more common and less formal; also used for physical force (hold firmly)

  • determinedly

    focuses on inner drive to succeed; more personal than resolutely

  • steadfastly

    emphasises loyalty and constancy over time, especially in beliefs

  • stubbornly

    carries a negative tone of unreasonable refusal; resolutely is neutral or positive

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

resolutely + verb (refuse, defend, oppose, continue, stand)

Usage Note

Typically used with verbs of refusal, defence, opposition, or continuation — actions that require standing firm against pressure or persuasion. The subject is almost always a person or an organisation with a stated position.

Common Mistakes

She is a resolutely woman.
She is a resolute woman.
'resolutely' is an adverb and cannot modify a noun; use the adjective 'resolute' before a noun.
He was resolutely in his decision.
He stood resolutely by his decision.
'resolutely' needs a verb to modify; it cannot follow a linking verb on its own.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All five words describe acting with conviction, but they differ in tone and context. 'Resolutely' (C1, formal) suggests unwavering commitment in the face of opposition — it is neutral and often admirable. 'Firmly' (B2, common) is the broadest of the group: it can describe physical force ('hold firmly') as well as mental conviction ('firmly believe'), and it is less emotionally charged than 'resolutely'. 'Determinedly' (B2) focuses on inner drive and personal effort toward a goal, with a positive feel. 'Steadfastly' (C1) emphasises loyalty and constancy over time, especially in relationships or principles. 'Stubbornly' (B2, mildly negative) implies unreasonable refusal to change. Compare: 'She resolutely defended her team against unfair criticism' suggests principled action; 'She stubbornly defended her team despite clear mistakes' suggests blind loyalty.

resolutely ↗firmly ↗determinedlysteadfastlystubbornly

Common collocations

Phrases

  • resolutely refuse
  • resolutely defend
  • resolutely oppose
  • resolutely continue
  • resolutely stand by
  • resolutely reject
  • resolutely maintain

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'resolutus' (past participle of 'resolvere', meaning 'to loosen' or 'to release'). In Late Latin the word took on the sense of 'determined, firm' — the idea being that someone who is resolute has been freed from doubt or hesitation. 'Resolute' entered English as an adjective in the early 1500s, and 'resolutely' as its adverbial form appeared shortly after, following the common English pattern of adding -ly to an adjective.