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solve Definition

solve (sälv, sôlv)

transitive verb solved, solv·ing

  1. to find or provide a satisfactory answer or explanation for; make clear; explain
  2. to find or provide the correct or a satisfactory solution to (a problem)

Etymology: ME solven < L solvere (for se-luere), to loosen, release, free < se-, apart (see secede) + luere, to let go, set free: see lose

solve Related Forms
solver noun
solve Synonyms

solve

v.

figure out, work out, reason out, think out, find out, make out, puzzle out, decipher, unravel, elucidate, interpret, explain, resolve, answer, decode, get to the bottom of, fathom, get right, hit upon a solution, work, do, settle up, clear up, untangle, unlock, determine, divine, dope out*, hit the nail on the head*, hit it*, make a dent in a problem*, put two and two together*, have it*.

solve Usage Examples

Object

  • problem: They don't really solve the problem of getting users up on the new OS.
  • puzzle: How to solve a sudoku puzzle - lessons.. .
  • mystery: Philosophy appeared on the scene to attempt to solve the basic mystery.
  • equation: This is not true in the case of g, which would lead to the need to solve an implicit equation.
  • riddle: Can Bink solve the riddle of Greek mythology's most terrifying monster or will he lose his kingdom, his princess and his life?
  • sudoku: The best way to learn how to. solve sudoku is to practice.. .

Subject

  • crystallography: A protein structure solved by X-ray crystallography is regarded as the gold standard to which all other structures are compared.
  • thinking: They can be solved by lateral thinking alone and have been making quite an impact around the world.
  • replacement: The structure was solved by molecular replacement using the same protein solved in a different space group.

Adjective complement

  • most: Not only this, but it appears to solve most of the outstanding conundrums in contemporary anthropology.

Modifying Another Word

  • analytically: After the normal form for the equations has been derived, the extent to which the equations may be solved analytically is covered.
  • peacefully: We also feel that the issue should be solved peacefully and diplomatically.
  • satisfactorily: To relinquish one of these relationships, because of the philosophical difficulties associated with it, does not satisfactorily solve the problem.
  • simultaneously: These two hurdles, for which separate solutions exist, must, however, be solved simultaneously for developing improved vaccines.
  • easily: This however might be solved easily in future releases.

Used with why or when

  • which: I love problem solving which is how the music journalism course came about.
  • when: The problem cant be solved when there is no such thing.

Preposition: by

  • crystallography: A protein structure solved by X-ray crystallography is regarded as the gold standard to which all other structures are compared.
  • thinking: They can be solved by lateral thinking alone and have been making quite an impact around the world.
  • replacement: The structure was solved by molecular replacement using the same protein solved in a different space group.
solve Quotes

Death is the only mystery we all solve.

—Skelton, Robin

Solve it quickly, solve it right or wrong.

—Watson,ThomasJohn,Jr

Browse dictionary entries near solve

  1. Solvay process
  2. solvate
  3. solvable
  4. Solutrean
  5. solution set
  6. solution
  7. solute
  8. solus
  9. solum
  10. soluble glass
  1. solvency
  2. solvent
  3. solvolysis
  4. Solway Firth
  5. Solyman
  6. Solzhenitsyn
  7. som
  8. soma
  9. Somali
  10. Somalia