solve
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
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to find the explanation for or solution to (a mystery, problem, etc)
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maths
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to work out the answer to (a problem)
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to obtain the roots of (an equation)
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Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have solvedperfect
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has solvedperfect 3rd person singular
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are solvingprogressive
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am solvingprogressive 1st person singular
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is solvingprogressive 3rd person singular
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solvingparticiple
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has been solvingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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have been solvingperfect progressive
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solvessingular 3rd person
Past
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had solvedperfect
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was solvingprogressive singular
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were solvingprogressive plural
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solvedparticiple
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solvedsimple
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had been solvingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of solve
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English solven, from Latin solvere “to loosen, free, release”
Explanation
To solve something is to find a solution, like figuring out the answer to a complex riddle. The verb solve is often used in mathematics, and it means to answer a math problem. You can solve other, non-mathematical problems too — like the question of what to wear when you've run out of clean clothes (your sibling's clothes!). The word solve originally came from the Latin solvere, which meant "to loosen or untie." If you think of any kind of complex problem as a knot, then the original definition of solve still makes sense!
Vocabulary lists containing solve
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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"Kids Are Inventors, Too"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But Musk argues that it’s not a “super hard problem” to solve.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
For current students, direct payments may solve the immediate problem.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
An experiment involving preschool children is unfolding in South Los Angeles, one that aims to solve a persistent problem in the region’s stressed day-care industry: the lack of workers.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
Speaking at London Tech Week, the prime minister said: "This is not an impossible challenge. These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it."
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
As you know, I’m very good at coming up with plans to solve human problems.
From "The World According to Humphrey" by Betty G. Birney
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
