Tips: Think of the root word resolve, which means "to reach a firm decision." The root word of irresolute, resolute, means "determined in character, action, or ideas." Combine resolute with the negative prefix ir-, which means "not," and irresolute describes people who lack resolve and cannot make firm decisions.

What is the root word for solution?

This noun descends from Middle English solucion, from Old French, from Latin solutio, from solvere "to loosen." Think of solution both as a loosening of the chemical bonds that make something solid––when you loosen the structure of salt by mixing it into water, you create a solution.

What is the root word for dissolve?

You can use the verb dissolve to describe things that are coming apart or diminishing. Dissolve goes back to the Latin root dissolvere, meaning "to loosen," and it came into English in the 14th century.