solve
B1Neutral to Formal. Common in academic, technical, and everyday contexts; less common in highly informal speech where phrases like 'figure out' or 'sort out' might be used.
Definition
Meaning
To find a correct answer, explanation, or way of dealing with a difficult problem or mystery.
To successfully find a solution that effectively ends a problematic situation, resolves a puzzle, or provides a satisfactory method for overcoming a challenge, especially in mathematics, logic, or complex real-world issues.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily implies a definitive, often logical or systematic, conclusion to a problem. It focuses on the process of finding *the* answer. Contrast with 'resolve', which often implies settling a dispute or making a firm decision, and 'address', which implies dealing with an issue but not necessarily conclusively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or grammatical usage. Minor spelling differences may appear in derived forms (e.g., BrE 'solvable' vs. AmE also 'solvable').
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] solve [NP] e.g., The detective solved the crime.be solved e.g., The problem was solved quickly.[NP] solve [NP] by [V-ing] e.g., They solved the shortage by ordering more stock.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Solve the world's problems (to discuss complex issues, often idealistically).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for finding solutions to logistical, financial, or personnel challenges. 'We need to solve this supply chain bottleneck.'
Academic
Core term in mathematics, logic, computer science, and engineering. 'The study aims to solve the paradox presented by the initial data.'
Everyday
Common for puzzles, minor tech issues, or interpersonal problems. 'I finally solved why the Wi-Fi wasn't working.'
Technical
Central in fields like cryptography ('solve a cipher'), software development ('solve a bug'), and research ('solve a scientific question').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Can you solve this maths problem for me?
- The team worked overnight to solve the software glitch.
- The mystery was solved after a fortnight of investigation.
American English
- Can you solve this math problem for me?
- The team worked overnight to solve the software bug.
- The mystery was solved after two weeks of investigation.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form; 'solvably' is not in common usage.)
American English
- (No standard adverb form; 'solvably' is not in common usage.)
adjective
British English
- (Rarely used as pure adjective; 'solvable' is the common form) The puzzle was finally solvable.
American English
- (Rarely used as pure adjective; 'solvable' is the common form) The equation is solvable using this new method.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I can't solve this puzzle.
- The teacher helped me solve the question.
- Engineers solved the design problem with a clever innovation.
- Scientists are trying to solve the mystery of the ancient ruins.
- The new policy aims to solve the long-standing housing shortage in the capital.
- Despite their efforts, they couldn't solve the inherent contradiction in the theory.
- The breakthrough algorithm can solve complex optimisation problems previously thought intractable.
- Diplomacy alone may not be sufficient to solve the multifaceted geopolitical crisis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SOLVE as having the SOLUTION locked in a VAULT. You need to SOLVE the combination to get the answer out.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE KNOTS/TANGLES (to solve is to untie), PROBLEMS ARE BARRIERS (to solve is to remove or break through), PROBLEMS ARE PUZZLES (to solve is to find the missing pieces).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'decide' or 'decide a problem' (решить проблему). English uses 'solve a problem' or 'make a decision'.
- Do not confuse with 'dissolve' (растворить). 'Solve' is for abstract problems; 'dissolve' is for physical substances.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'We need to decide this mathematical equation.' Correct: 'We need to solve this mathematical equation.'
- Incorrect: 'He solved to leave early.' Correct: 'He decided to leave early.' (Solve requires a direct object, not an infinitive.)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate collocation with 'solve'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Solve' is used primarily for finding the answer to a logical problem, puzzle, or equation (solve a maths problem, solve a mystery). 'Resolve' is used for settling disputes, conflicts, or uncertainties (resolve an argument, resolve a doubt, resolve a situation).
Rarely. 'Solve' is almost always a transitive verb requiring a direct object (e.g., solve IT). Intransitive use like 'We need to solve' is incomplete and informal.
'Solve a situation' is a weak but sometimes accepted collocation meaning 'find a way to deal with a difficult situation'. 'Solve a person' is incorrect; you would 'deal with', 'understand', or 'help' a person.
The primary noun is 'solution'. The act of solving can be called 'the solving of', but this is less common. The word 'solvent' is unrelated (it refers to a liquid or financial status).