Solved

/sɒlvd/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

To find the answer to a problem or a way to deal with a difficulty.

/sɒlvd/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To find an answer or explanation for a problem.

The students solved the math problems during the exam.

💡 Simply: Imagine you have a puzzle, and you finally put all the pieces together. You've solved the puzzle! Or, imagine you have a question about something you don't understand, you look it up, and now you understand, you have solved the question!

👶 For kids: When you figure out how to fix something or find the answer to a question.

More Examples

2

The scientists solved the mystery of the disease.

3

They finally solved the supply chain issues.

How It's Used

Mathematics

"She solved the equation quickly."

Crime Investigation

"The detective finally solved the mystery."

Everyday Life

"We solved the traffic problem by taking a detour."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

solve for x

To find the value of the variable 'x' in an algebraic equation.

"To find the answer to the equation, you must solve for x."

solved a problem

To find a solution or answer to a challenge or difficulty.

"The team solved a difficult problem by collaborating effectively."

From Middle English *solven*, from Latin *solvere* meaning 'to loosen, untie, release, or pay'.

Used widely throughout history, with the meaning remaining relatively consistent across eras.

Memory tip

Think of 'solve' like 'untangling a knot'. You work through the problem until it's all sorted out.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to loosen, untie, release, or pay"

solve a problemsolve the equationsolve the mysterysolve a crime

Common misspellings

solvdsolv'd

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written