Solution

səˈluːʃən

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A way of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.

səˈluːʃən

nounneutralBeginner
General

A means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.

The engineer devised a creative solution to the bridge's structural issues.

💡 Simply: Imagine you have a puzzle, and the solution is finding the right pieces to fit them all together! A solution is the answer or a way to fix a problem, like figuring out how to get a toy out of a tree or how to best work on a project.

👶 For kids: A solution is like the answer to a question or a way to fix something.

More Examples

2

The government is searching for a viable solution to the housing crisis.

3

After much deliberation, they arrived at a mutually acceptable solution.

How It's Used

Science

"Scientists are seeking a solution to climate change."

Business

"The company offered a solution to the supply chain issues."

Everyday Life

"Finding a solution to a difficult problem."

2

A homogeneous mixture formed when a substance (the solute) is dissolved in a liquid (the solvent).

səˈluːʃən

nounneutralmedium
Science

A liquid mixture in which a substance is dissolved.

The lab technician carefully measured the concentration of the solution.

💡 Simply: When you mix something like sugar into water and it disappears, that’s a solution! Like when you add salt into water and mix it until it vanishes – that mix of salty water is a solution!.

👶 For kids: When you mix something like sugar into water, it goes away, making a solution.

More Examples

2

This solution can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces.

3

The reaction occurred when the two solutions were combined.

How It's Used

Chemistry

"The chemist prepared a sodium chloride solution."

Biology

"The cells were incubated in a nutrient solution."

Medical

"A saline solution was used to clean the wound."

Tip:Think of dissolving something in water – like sugar in your tea. It's a solution!

Idioms & expressions

in search of a solution

Actively trying to find a solution.

"The team is in search of a solution to the energy crisis."

a practical solution

A solution that can be implemented effectively.

"The company needed a practical solution to the logistical challenge."

From Latin *solutio* ("a loosening, an explanation"), from the verb *solvere* ("to loosen, to free, to release, to dissolve"). The word entered English in the late 14th century.

The word 'solution' has been used since the late 14th century and was commonly used in philosophy and theology before its adoption in scientific contexts.

Memory tip

Think of a SOLVING ACTION, like a solution to a puzzle.

solusionsoloution

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written