solve

/sɑlv/

/sɒlv/

Other forms: solved; solving; solves

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!

Definitions of solve

1. verb

   find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of
   “did you solve the problem?”

   synonyms: figure out, lick, puzzle out, work, work out

   types:

   answer, resolve

   understand the meaning of

   riddle

   explain a riddle

   strike

   arrive at after reckoning, deliberating, and weighing

   guess, infer

   guess correctly; solve by guessing

   answer

   give the correct answer or solution to

   break

   find the solution or key to

   tell

   discern or comprehend

   type of:

   understand

   know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
2. verb

   find the solution
   “solve an equation”

   “solve for x”

   synonyms: resolve

   types:

   factorise, factorize

   resolve (a polynomial) into factors

   type of:

   calculate, cipher, compute, cypher, figure, reckon, work out

   make a mathematical calculation or computation
3. verb

   settle, as of a debt
   “solve an old debt”

   synonyms: clear

   type of:

   determine, settle, square off, square up

   settle conclusively; come to terms