solve
gb/sˈɑlv/ us/sˈɑlv/
A2
English
~ 2300
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Find an answer to a problem
To find the right answer to a problem or question.
Usage pattern:
to solve [a problem / a puzzle / a case]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'solve' with 'resolve'. 'Solve' is used for finding an answer, especially in math, puzzles, or mysteries, while 'resolve' can mean settling a dispute or fixing a situation.
Synonyms
resolve (Often used for settling disputes or problems, sometimes less about finding a single 'correct' answer.)
|
figure out (More informal and often used for understanding or finding a solution.)
Antonyms
complicate (To make something more difficult to understand or fix.)
|
unsolve (Rare, but means to undo or reverse a solution.)
Collocations
solve a problem
|solve a puzzle
|solve a mystery
|solve an equation
|solve a crime
Themes
education
|logic
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The police worked hard to solve the mystery.
- She solved the math problem in less than a minute.
- We finally solved the issue with the computer.
- Can you solve this crossword puzzle?
- Scientists are trying to solve the problem of climate change.
Learner examples
- I can solve this easy puzzle.
- He solved the question in class.
- We solved the problem together.
- She solved the test quickly.
Verb
technical
B1
action
2
Find values for an equation
To find the numbers that make a math problem correct.
Usage pattern:
to solve [an equation / for x]
Common mistake:
Learners may forget that 'solve for x' means finding the value of x, not just simplifying the expression.
Synonyms
compute (Focuses on calculation rather than reasoning through a problem.)
Antonyms
ignore (Not dealing with the equation at all.)
Collocations
solve an equation
|solve for x
|solve a system
|solve analytically
Themes
mathematics
|science
|education
Examples
- We need to solve for x in this equation.
- She solved the quadratic equation using the formula.
- Can you solve this system of linear equations?
- He solved for y by isolating it on one side.
- They solved the equation step by step.
Learner examples
- I can solve this math problem.
- We solved for x in class.
- She solved the easy equation.
- They solved it with help.
Grammar
Dictionary form
solve
IPA
GB/sˈɑlv/
US/sˈɑlv/
Syllables & stress
solve (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (solve)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: solve
- 3rd Person Singular: solves
- Present Participle: solving
- Past: solved
Word family
Forms
solves
verb
solving
verb
solved
verb
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
unsolved
adjective
unsolvable
adjective
Related words
resolve
verb B1
resolution
noun B1
Expressions
solve a problem
1/sˈɑlv ə pɹˈɑbləm/
fixed phrase
Find an answer or fix to a difficulty
To find a way to fix something that is wrong or difficult.
Examples
- We need to solve this problem before it gets worse.
- She solved the problem by restarting the computer.
solve for x
1/sˈɑlv fɚ ˈɛks/
fixed phrase
technical
Find value of x in equation
To find what number x should be in a math problem.
Examples
- In this equation, you need to solve for x.
- She quickly solved for x and moved on to the next question.
solve a mystery
1/sˈɑlv ə mˈɪstɚi/
fixed phrase
Find explanation for something unknown
To find out the truth about something strange or unknown.
Examples
- The detective finally solved the mystery of the missing jewels.
- The detective worked hard to solve the mystery.
- Scientists are trying to solve the mystery of how the disease spreads.
- Scientists hope to solve the mystery of dark matter.