solve

American  

[solv] / sɒlv /

verb (used with object)

solved, solving

1. to find the answer or explanation for; clear up; explain.

   to solve the mystery of the missing books.

   Synonyms:

   crack, untangle, unravel, resolve

2. to work out the answer or solution to (a mathematical problem).

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solve British  

/ sɒlv /

verb

1. to find the explanation for or solution to (a mystery, problem, etc)

2. maths

   1. to work out the answer to (a problem)

   2. to obtain the roots of (an equation)

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Other Word Forms

• presolve verb (used with object)
• solver noun
• unsolved adjective
• well-solved adjective

Etymology

Origin of solve

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English solven, from Latin solvere “to loosen, free, release”

Example Sentences

While some see the joint custody bill as a way to solve such controversies, not everyone is supportive of the revision.

From BBC

While this was a major step forward, making the system useful for precise measurements required solving a major challenge shared by all lasers: noise.

From Science Daily

Establishment of a new basing network in western Saudi Arabia wouldn’t have solved all problems.

From The Wall Street Journal

Under any scenario, after all, the Hormuz problem likely solves itself when the shooting stops.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now determining whether I can afford something has shifted from a guess every time I click “buy” to a math equation I actually know how to solve.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• clarify
• clear up
• decide
• determine
• do
• explain
• figure out
• fix
• have
• iron out
• settle
• work out