solve S2 W3 /sɒlv $ sɑːlv/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ solution , ↑ solvent , ↑ solubility , ↑ insolvency ; adjective : ↑ soluble ≠ ↑ insoluble , ↑ unsolved , ↑ solvent ≠ ↑ insolvent , ↑ solvable ≠ ↑ insolvable ; verb : ↑ solve ; adverb : ↑ insolvably ]
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: solvere 'to loosen, solve, dissolve, pay' ]
1 . to find or provide a way of dealing with a problem ⇨ solution :
Charlie thinks money will solve all his problems.
the best way of solving our dilemma
2 . to find the correct answer to a problem or the explanation for something that is difficult to understand ⇨ solution
solve a crime/mystery/case etc
More than 70% of murder cases were solved last year.
attempts to solve a mathematical equation
solve a puzzle/riddle
—solvable adjective
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COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)
■ nouns
▪ solve a problem
He solved the problem by moving the aggressive fish to a separate tank.
▪ solve a crisis
Congress had not been able to solve the financial crisis.
▪ solve a dispute/conflict
They have agreed to solve their disputes solely by peaceful means.
▪ solve a dilemma
Can you solve my dilemma?
▪ solve somebody's difficulties
You can't solve your difficulties by running away.
▪ solve a question
Did they really think the Jerusalem question would be solved in a week?
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COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ nouns
▪ solve a crime/case
The crime was never solved.
▪ solve a murder
Police have called for witnesses to help them solve the murder.
▪ solve a mystery
Staff at the library think they have solved the mystery.
▪ solve a puzzle
You progress through the game by solving puzzles.
▪ solve a riddle
They still haven't really solved the riddle of how the pyramids were built.
▪ solve an equation
At the age of six, he could solve complicated mathematical equations.