solve

solve — verb

1. to work out a satisfactory way to handle a problem, puzzle, or other difficult m

1.verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to work out a satisfactory way to handle a problem, puzzle, or other difficult matter.

Example

Élise solved the maths puzzle by writing down each step carefully.

The new map app helped Rania solve the problem of getting lost in the city.

collocation: solve the problem of [something]

Common collocations
  • solve a problem
  • solve a mystery
  • solve a crime
  • solve a puzzle
  • solve an equation
  • solve a riddle
  • solve a case
Synonyms
  • resolve

    more formal than solve; often used for conflicts, disputes, or determined effort

  • figure out

    informal; common in everyday American English, often through trial and error

  • work out

    informal; common in British English; suggests a process of thinking through step by step

  • crack

    informal; used for codes, cases, puzzles that require a breakthrough

Antonyms
  • complicate

    to make something harder to understand or solve

  • baffle

    to confuse someone so much that they cannot solve something

Grammar Patterns

solve + [problem / mystery / puzzle / equation]

Usage Note

The direct object is typically a problem, puzzle, mystery, crime, or equation — something that requires an answer or explanation. Solve is not used for simple questions in everyday conversation (use answer instead).

Common Mistakes

She solved the answer to the maths problem.
She solved the maths problem.
solve acts on the problem itself, not the answer.
Can you solve the first question on the test?
Can you answer the first question on the test?
answer is for test questions; solve is for puzzles, equations, and complex problems.
The doctor solved my headache.
The doctor cured my headache.
solve is not used for medical symptoms.

Word family

  • solution
    nounB1
  • solver
    nounC1
  • solvable
    adjectiveC1
  • unsolved
    adjectiveB1
  • unsolvable
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

Solve is the most general and neutral word for finding an answer or way through a problem. Resolve is more formal and often implies a determined effort to settle a conflict or dispute — you resolve an argument rather than solve it. Figure out is informal and suggests a process of thinking or experimenting until something becomes clear, common in American English. Work out is also informal, used especially in British English, and carries the idea of carefully working through the steps. Crack is vivid and informal, used when a code, case, or puzzle requires a sudden breakthrough — a detective cracks a case, but does not crack an algebra equation. Choose solve for everyday neutral use, resolve for formal or conflict contexts, and figure out or work out for informal step-by-step reasoning.

resolve ↗figure out ↗work out ↗crack ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • find a way to solve
  • help someone solve
  • try to solve

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Solve comes from the Latin verb solvere, meaning 'to loosen, untie, or release'. The original image is of untying a knot — a metaphor that carried over into English through Old French, where solving a problem became like loosening the tangles of a difficult question. The word entered English around the 14th century and gradually took on its modern meaning of finding an answer to a problem or puzzle.