solution
B1Neutral to formal; widely used in all registers from everyday conversation to academic and technical writing.
Definition
Meaning
A means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.
1) The act or process of solving a problem. 2) A liquid mixture in which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance (the solute) is dissolved in another liquid (the solvent). 3) The correct answer to a puzzle or problem.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. The meaning shifts contextually between an abstract answer to a problem and a physical/chemical mixture. In mathematics, it refers specifically to the values that satisfy an equation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Spelling of related words may vary (e.g., 'solubilise' vs. 'solubilize').
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. The term 'Final Solution' carries the same heavy historical weight related to the Holocaust.
Frequency
Equally common and high-frequency in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
solution to [a problem/issue]solution for [a situation/need]solution of [a substance in a solvent]find a solutionwork out a solutionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a solution in search of a problem”
- “the final solution (historical context)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to products, services, or strategies that address client needs, e.g., 'We offer a complete software solution for SMEs.'
Academic
Used for answers to research questions, mathematical problems, or theoretical models, e.g., 'The study proposes a novel solution to the energy storage problem.'
Everyday
Refers to answers for common problems, e.g., 'The solution to the dripping tap was a new washer.'
Technical
Specifically denotes a homogeneous mixture in chemistry or the answer set in mathematics, e.g., 'Prepare a saline solution at 0.9% concentration.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Not standard; use 'solve' or 'dissolve'. The verb 'to solution' is non-standard.)
American English
- (Not standard; use 'solve' or 'dissolve'. The verb 'to solution' is non-standard.)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable; no standard adverbial form.)
American English
- (Not applicable; no standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- solution-focused approach
- solution-oriented mindset
- solution-provider company
American English
- solution-focused approach
- solution-based selling
- solution provider firm
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Water and salt make a solution.
- The solution to the sum was 42.
- We found a good solution.
- The company developed a new software solution for invoicing.
- What's your proposed solution to the traffic problem?
- She prepared a chemical solution for the experiment.
- After lengthy negotiations, a mutually acceptable solution was reached.
- The true solution lay in addressing the root cause, not the symptoms.
- This cleaning solution is highly corrosive and must be handled with care.
- The researcher posited that the optimal solution involved a multi-faceted, systemic overhaul.
- Their innovative fintech solution disrupted the traditional banking model.
- The general solution to the differential equation was expressed in terms of arbitrary constants.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SOLUTION sounds like 'SO-LOO-SHUN' – think 'So, I need a LOOfa and SHampoo solution for my dirty shower problem.' It solves the cleaning issue.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE KNOTS/TANGLES, SOLUTIONS ARE UNTANGLING/UNLOCKING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'solution' for a decision ('решение'). Use 'decision' instead. 'Solution' is for solving an external problem, not making a choice.
- In chemistry, 'solution' is 'раствор', but in IT/business, 'solution' is often translated as 'решение' (e.g., software solution).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'solution of a problem' (less common) instead of the preferred 'solution to a problem'.
- Confusing 'solution' with 'resolution' (which is more about formally deciding or the clarity of an image).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'solution' used in its CHEMICAL sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually countable when referring to an answer to a problem (e.g., 'several solutions'). It can be uncountable when referring to the act or process of solving (e.g., 'the solution of sugar in water').
'Solution' is the answer that solves a problem. 'Resolution' is the formal decision or determination to do something, or the process of settling a dispute. A resolution can be a type of solution, but not all solutions are resolutions.
No, 'solution' is not a standard verb. Use 'solve' for problems or 'dissolve' for mixtures. The use of 'solution' as a verb (e.g., 'to solution a problem') is jargon, typically found in business or IT, and is best avoided in formal writing.
The most common are 'solution to' (a problem) and 'solution for' (a situation/person). In chemistry, you use 'solution of' (a substance).
Collections
Part of a collection
Science and Technology
B1 · 47 words · Basic scientific concepts and modern technology.
Innovation
B2 · 46 words · Language of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
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