All these words can refer to the taking of a stand or to the acting out of a purpose with unflagging fixity. In the first situation, resolution suggests the conscious or formal spelling out of a position: a New Year’s resolution ; a resolution and adopted by the whole committee. When it refers to a manner of acting, the word still suggests a conscious choosing of goal and methods that infuses the action with vigour and, often, with ethical purpose: She administered the spanking with resolution ; promising to cut through bureaucratic red tape with steadfast resolution . Determination , in reference to action, contrasts with resolution by suggesting an almost stubborn willpower more than a detailed conscious spelling out of goals or principles: He drove in each nail with determination . Determination , furthermore, may suggest an individed emotional and mental assent to the action one is performing, whereas resolution could suggest an intellectual choice that has actually overcome an emotional reluctance: attacking the tempting meal with lusty determination ; They flinched at the icy water but waded into it with resolution . Determination , in the sense of choosing a stand, suggests studious investigation: arbitrators who will hear both sides before making their determination .

Resolve is closely related to resolution . In the sense of choosing, it does not suggest the same spelt-out complexity or formality as resolution , pointing instead to a single instance in which a person makes up his mind, once and for all: a resolve to pass the test no matter how much studying it took. In referring to action, the word also relates more to single instances of vigorous application; here the note of difficult obstacles or inner reluctance is heightened, although the ethical suggestion may be absent.

• With renewed resolve , he tried again to climb up the sheer cliff; Despite her repugnance, she flung herself into the unpleasant task with great resolve .

Decision is the least forceful of any of these word can apply to any situation, serious or trivial; their decision to drop the bomb; a decision to stay home with a good book. More simply, the word can refer to a choice among alternative: his decision to vote for an independent candidate. In reference to action, the word suggests a lack of hesitation or hanging back rather than an approach based on ethical or willed conviction. The word does impart a note of acting with dispatch and, perhaps, of using an ability to improvise as one goes along without stopping constantly for a new search after methods or motives: acting with decision while others stood about debating.