verb · A2

Solve

SOLV/sɒlv/

Solve means find the answer to a problem or puzzle: solve a problem, solve a mystery, solve the equation. Solution is the noun (the answer). Fix is more for broken objects. Answer works for questions; solve is for problems. Past: solved. Do not write solution when you need the verb.

Meaning

To find the answer to a problem or a puzzle.

Examples

“It took us an hour to solve the last question.”
“Together we solved the puzzle in twenty minutes.”
“The mechanic could not solve the noise in the engine.”

Good to know

solve a problem / puzzle. Noun: solution. Object cousin: fix. Past: solved.

New