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

"We have a 15-point plan on the table. We expect the Iranians to respond. It could solve it all," Witkoff said.

From Barron's

China’s government was capable of solving problems as well as creating them.

From The Wall Street Journal

Grandfather, who puffs on Gauloises cigarettes, resembles Baroness Orczy’s Old Man in the Corner, an armchair detective who solves crimes from the confines of a London tea shop.

From The Wall Street Journal

A new international study published in Communications: Earth & Environment brings scientists closer to solving this mystery.

From Science Daily

"We just really focused on getting to the bottom of what we need to solve."

From BBC

Related Words

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