solve

[ solv ]
/ sɒlv /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR solve ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), solved, solv·ing.

to find the answer or explanation for; clear up; explain: to solve the mystery of the missing books.
to work out the answer or solution to (a mathematical problem).

Origin of solve

1400–50; late Middle English solven < Latin solvere to loosen, free, release, dissolve

OTHER WORDS FROM solve

solv·er, noun pre·solve, verb (used with object), pre·solved, pre·solv·ing. un·solved, adjective well-solved, adjective

Words nearby solve

solvable, solvate, solvation, solvay, solvay process, solve, solvency, solvent, solvent abuse, solvolysis, solway firth

Words related to solve

do, determine, fix, explain, clarify, have, settle, decide, lick, illuminate, puzzle, unlock, divine, enlighten, disentangle, fathom, decode, unravel, crack, construe

Example sentences from the Web for solve

British Dictionary definitions for solve

solve
/ (sɒlv) /

verb (tr)

to find the explanation for or solution to (a mystery, problem, etc)
maths
  1. to work out the answer to (a problem)
  2. to obtain the roots of (an equation)

Derived forms of solve

solver, noun

Word Origin for solve

C15: from Latin solvere to loosen, release, free from debt