resolve the dichotomy

USAGE SUMMARY

"resolve the dichotomy" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the resolution of opposing ideas or concepts. For example: "The study aims to resolve the dichotomy between traditional and modern practices." Alternative expressions include "bridge the gap" and "reconcile the differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We need to devise imaginative new solutions to resolve the dichotomy between long-term collections care and expensive environmental conditions," he said.

The Guardian - Arts

In May 1995 Davies was awarded the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion for his efforts to resolve the dichotomy between science and religion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Although not resolving the dichotomy between temperature and metabolic rate (both increasing, indeed, from frog to human [ 52]) the result was congruent with the conclusion drawn out from the comparison of teleostean fish genomes [ 50, 51].

BMC Genomics

A comprehensive study with suitable experimental design including downcore samples will be required to resolve this dichotomy.

Marine Micropaleontology

A number of program have already tried to resolve this dichotomy.

Huffington Post

This dichotomy between zoidogamy and siphonogamy may help resolve the basal seed plant polytomy.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Certainly some of those puzzled by Zeno's dichotomy argument against motion (see Zeno of Elea 2.2.1) had sought to resolve the puzzlement by postulating a smallest magnitude.

SEP

Resolve the criticism.

WikiHow

Thus the Siracusa principles offer to resolve apparent dichotomies between public health's primary mandate of protecting population health and the human rights imperative to protect individual rights [ 39].

BMC International Health and Human Rights

To resolve this apparent dichotomy, we undertook additional IGS typing directly on serum samples collected from patients with clinical cases, thus removing the selective pressure of cultivation.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Theoretically, the dichotomy was resolved by Modernism's functionalist aesthetic.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly identifies what the two sides of the 'dichotomy' are before using the verb 'resolve'

Common error

Do not use "resolve the dichotomy" when referring to a simple argument or a choice between two preferences. A dichotomy implies a fundamental, systemic, or theoretical split into two parts. Using it for trivial matters can make your writing feel unnecessarily inflated.

Linguistic Context

This phrase acts as a transitive verb construction where "resolve" serves as the action and "the dichotomy" is the direct object. According to Ludwig AI, it is primarily used to describe the cognitive or practical process of finding a synthesis between two seemingly incompatible concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "resolve the dichotomy" is a high-register English phrase used to describe the reconciliation of two opposing ideas. Data from Ludwig AI shows that while the phrase is common in scientific and academic literature, it also frequently appears in elite journalism to describe social and political tensions. It suggests not just a simple fix, but a meaningful synthesis that addresses the root of a binary conflict. Writers should use this phrase when they wish to convey a high degree of analytical depth and professional precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reconcile the contradiction

Focuses on making two logically inconsistent ideas compatible

bridge the divide

Uses a metaphor to describe connecting two distinct or distant viewpoints

resolve the tension

Suggests alleviating the strain caused by competing forces or ideas

overcome the dichotomy

Implies moving past a binary limitation to find a new perspective

address the discrepancy

More clinical, focusing on fixing a specific lack of compatibility or consistency

close the gap

A common idiom meaning to reduce the distance between two different positions

settle the conflict

Implies reaching a final agreement or decision on a dispute

harmonize the opposing views

Suggests making different opinions work together in a pleasing way

dissolve the distinction

Implies that the difference between the two parts was artificial or unnecessary

unify the split

Focuses on bringing together two parts that have been separated

FAQs

What can I say instead of "resolve the dichotomy"?

You can use alternatives like "reconcile the contradiction", "bridge the divide", or "overcome the dichotomy" depending on the context.

How to use "resolve the dichotomy" in a sentence?

A common way to use it is: "We need to find a way to resolve the dichotomy between economic growth and environmental protection."

Is it better to say "resolve the dichotomy" or "bridge the gap"?

It depends on the tone; "resolve the dichotomy" is more formal and academic, while "bridge the gap" is a more common idiom used in neutral and business settings.

What does it mean to "resolve the dichotomy" in science?

In scientific research, it often refers to finding a model or data that explains why two different experimental results or theories that seem to contradict each other are actually parts of the same system.