Determination Meaning: Firm Resolve & Examples

Meaning 1：firm resolve (determination)

determination 🔊

/dɪˌtɜːrmɪˈneɪʃən/

The strong will to keep going and achieve something, even when it's hard.

firm resolve 🔊

➕

/fɜːrm rɪˈzɒlv/

The quality of being determined to do something despite difficulties or opposition; a strong and unwavering intention to achieve a goal.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'determinare' (de- 'down, completely' + terminare 'to bound, limit'), meaning 'to set boundaries', later evolving into firmness of purpose.

💡 Mnemonic

De-term-ination: 'term' is a deadline; you make up your mind to finish by that term.

📖 Example

Despite the freezing wind and exhaustion, the climber's determination to reach the summit never wavered. 🔊 Even though the freezing wind and exhaustion were overwhelming, the climber's determination to reach the summit never faltered.

🔗 Collocations

show determination – Display firm resolve or strong will in the face of challenges.

unwavering determination – Determination that does not change or weaken.

firm determination – A strong and resolute commitment to a goal.

🔄 Synonyms

resolve (n.) – Firm determination to do something; a strong decision to succeed.

perseverance (n.) – Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.

tenacity (n.) – The quality of holding firmly to a purpose or course of action.

🚫 Antonyms

indifference (n.) – Lack of interest, concern, or determination.

hesitation (n.) – A pause or delay caused by uncertainty or lack of resolve.

weakness (n.) – Lack of strength, force, or determination.

🌱 Derivatives

determine (v.) – To decide or settle something firmly; to cause something to happen in a particular way.

determined (adj.) – Having a strong desire to do something, not easily discouraged.

determinable (adj.) – Capable of being decided or fixed.

📖 Cultural Story

Originally a legal and scientific term for precise definition, it gained its modern sense of unwavering resolve in the 17th century, often used in contexts of personal ambition and sports.