less resolutely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less resolutely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a manner of action or decision-making that is not as firm or determined as it could be. Example: "She approached the negotiation less resolutely than her colleagues, which led to a less favorable outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

While Al Gore was signing up to fight in (or at least write about) a war that he did not believe in, George W. Bush was somewhat less resolutely partying in Houston.

The New York Times

Most of the South Lebanon Army troops who surrendered their positions on Monday belonged to the Shiite minority faction of the militia, and are considered less resolutely opposed to Hezbollah than the Christian and Druse troops still manning outposts to the east and west.

The New York Times

Are our enemies any less resolutely human than we are?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

On their most recent albums, including "Songs of Innocence" — which Sasha Frere-Jones, the magazine's pop music critic, reviewed last week — Bono sings about religious subjects with the kind of unfussy directness that, perversely, makes the songs less open to the resolutely secular.

The New Yorker

I resolve to resolutely restyle my resolutions.

Huffington Post

Resolutely anti-nuclear environmental groups were less enthusiastic.

The Guardian

Even as the world faces incalculable calamity in Asia and as Al Qaeda has struck in Riyadh, it seems that the more Saudi Arabia cooperates resolutely in the fight against terrorism, the less appreciation it gets.

The New York Times

Unilever, an British-Dutch company, had originally offered about 10percentto20percentcent less for Bestfoods, but the Bestfoods chairman and chief executive, Charles R. Shoemate, resolutely held out for a higher price.

The New York Times

The contemporary Californian menu is resolutely unpretentious ("Start with some fresh seafood!" it exclaims) and less singular than the views.

The New York Times - Travel

His fiction is resolutely varied in what it can include, but you none the less come away from any volume of his stories with a sense of villages long lost to progress.

The Guardian

BBC Rome correspondent Alan Johnston says that up until now the Pope has taken a resolutely pacifist view, but on this occasion he seemed a little less emphatic in his opposition to a more muscular approach.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less resolutely" when you want to convey a nuanced reduction in determination or firmness, rather than an absence of it. It's useful for describing a shift in attitude or approach.

Common error

Avoid using "less resolutely" excessively in formal or academic writing. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Opt for more direct synonyms like "hesitantly" or "with less determination" for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less resolutely" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb to express a diminished degree of determination or firmness. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less resolutely" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating a diminished degree of determination. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, though it's relatively rare, primarily appearing in News & Media. It's suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts where a nuanced description of reduced firmness is needed. Consider alternatives like "with less determination" or "more hesitantly" for varied expression. Understanding its subtle implications can enhance precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with less determination

Focuses on the reduction in the strength of will or purpose.

with diminished resolve

Highlights a weakening of firm decision or purpose.

less firmly

Emphasizes a decrease in the strength or stability of action.

with reduced conviction

Indicates a lessening of certainty or strong belief.

more hesitantly

Focuses on the increased pause or reluctance in action.

in a more wavering manner

Suggests instability and fluctuation in approach.

with less tenacity

Emphasizes a decrease in persistence or holding firm.

with a weaker will

Highlights a reduced strength of desire or intention.

in a more half-hearted way

Suggests a lack of enthusiasm or commitment.

with less vigor

Emphasizes a reduction in energy or effort.

FAQs

How can I use "less resolutely" in a sentence?

Use "less resolutely" to describe an action performed with diminished determination. For example: "She approached the challenge "less resolutely" after the initial setbacks".

What are some alternatives to "less resolutely"?

You can use alternatives like "with less determination", "more hesitantly", or "with diminished resolve" depending on the specific context.

Is "less resolutely" formal or informal?

"Less resolutely" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While understandable in most contexts, it might be replaced by simpler phrasing in very informal settings.

What's the difference between "less resolutely" and "irresolutely"?

"Less resolutely" implies a reduction in firmness, while "irresolutely" suggests a complete lack of resolution or an inability to decide. "Less resolutely" indicates a weakened stance; "irresolutely" indicates indecision.