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

He has dual degrees from Columbia University in music and mathematics, which uses spreadsheets and modeling to solve real-world problems.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

"So if you sell a player for £40m from then, you can only solve £13m of your financial problems straight away."

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

To solve this, the researchers designed an optical system that precisely shapes and directs each beam.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

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 • Mar. 31, 2026

“And I’m sorry I didn’t choose to solve our conflict in a peaceful and constructive way that would result in...”

From "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody" by Patrick Ness

Related Words

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