solve

USSAHLV/sɑlv/UKSOLV/sɒlv/AUSSAWLV/sɔlv/

Formssolves, solving, solved

7 meanings of solve

1
verbtransitive
To find the answer to a problem or question.
Like finding the one missing piece that makes everything fit.
I can't solve this puzzle without help.
She finally solved the riddle after an hour.
Similarresolve, fix, crack, settle
Note
2
verbtransitive
To find out who did a crime and why.
Like fitting clues together until you know who did it.
Detectives worked hard to solve the burglary.
The police finally solved the case after years.
Similarcrack, unravel, resolve
3
verbtransitive
To find the numbers that make an equation true.
Like finding the right number that fits both sides of a balance.
Students learn to solve equations in math class.
She solved the equation and checked her answer.
Note
4
verbtransitive
To change an equation so that one letter stands alone on one side.
Like moving everything else aside so one thing is left by itself.
Solve the equation for y first.
She solved the formula for the radius.
Note

Less common meanings

5
verbarchaictransitive
To make a solid mix completely into a liquid.
Like sugar disappearing into a cup of hot tea.
Warm water will solve the salt completely.
She solved the powder in a cup of water.
Note
6
nounarchaic
An answer or explanation for something puzzling.
Like the answer printed at the back of a puzzle book.
The magistrate offered no solve for the strange disappearance.
The solve is this, that thou dost common grow.
1609, William Shakespeare, “Sonnet 69”Here, solve means the answer or explanation to the puzzle.
Note
7
verb
To loosen the parts of something or pull them apart from each other.

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Latin "solvō," through Middle English "solven."