Solve
/sɒlv/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo find the answer to a problem or question.
/sɒlv/
To find a solution to a problem.
The detective was able to solve the case.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a puzzle. To solve it means you put all the pieces together to find out what the picture is! It's figuring things out!
👶 For kids: To solve means to find the answer.
More Examples
She tried to solve the crossword puzzle.
We need to solve the problem before it gets worse.
How It's Used
"Can you solve this equation?"
"We need to solve the mystery."
To find the answer or solution to a mathematical equation or problem.
/sɒlv/
To find the answer to a calculation.
I can solve the equation for x.
💡 Simply: When you solve a math problem, you're finding the secret number or answer. It's like a treasure hunt!
👶 For kids: Finding the answer to a math problem.
More Examples
She spent hours trying to solve the complex problem.
The computer quickly solved the complicated formula.
How It's Used
"Can you solve this equation?"
From Old French *soudre* (to loosen, untie, resolve), from Latin *solvere* (to loosen, release, untie, explain).
Used since the 13th century, initially in the sense of 'loosen' or 'untie' before evolving to 'find a solution'.
Memory tip
Think of finding the key (solution) to unlock the problem (solve).
Word Origin
"to loosen, release, untie, explain"