WORD OF THE WEEK: Resolution Twenty Ten

Summary: As the year—and the decade—draws to a close, we can look ahead to 2010. Making resolutions is just one way to do this. What exactly does this word mean?

This week, we'll close out the year 2009 and the first decade of the new millennium. News forums all over the globe are already looking back on changes we made together as ever-evolving people on a forever-changing planet. And now is the time when, collectively and individually, we begin to look forward into our future in a number of ways.

The most common means of doing this as individuals is by setting New Year's Resolutions. We'll examine the tradition, itself, a little more deeply later this week. But for now, let's take a look at the word resolution.

With a number of definitions, resolution (in this case) means "a firmness of resolve," or "a declaration." In other words, we declare to ourselves and the world—but firstly and most importantly to ourselves if we really want to succeed—that we are going to meet the goals we've set for ourselves this year. We resolve to lose 10 pounds by spring or to drink 6 glasses of water each day. We are resolute, or steadfast, in our determination to do so.

Resolution (RES - o - LOO - shun) is a noun that entered the English language in the 14th century (that's 700-some years ago now, if you're counting) that has a number of other definitions, all similar in nature. (As usual, if you share your worldly wisdom of these "other definitions" here, you will receive high praise.)

In a couple of days, we'll look at exactly why we set resolutions for each new year and how such a tradition came to be. But until then, I personally resolve to make my own list of 2010 resolutions that I'll share for you on New Year's Day. What about YOU?

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