Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Solve
Solve
(sŏlv)
, Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Solved
(sŏlvd)
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Solving
.] [L.
solvere
, solutum
; from a prefix so-
expressing separation (cf. Sober
) + luere
to loosen; cf. OF. soldre
, soudre
. See Loose
, and cf. Absolve
.] To explain; to resolve; to unfold; to clear up (what is obscure or difficult to be understood); to work out to a result or conclusion;
as, to
. solve
a doubt; to solve
difficulties; to solve
a problemTrue piety would effectually
solve
such scruples. South.
God shall
solve
the dark decrees of fate. Tickell.
Syn. – To explain; resolve; unfold; clear up.
Solve
,Noun.
A solution; an explanation.
[Obs.]
Shak.
Webster 1828 Edition
Solve
SOLVE
,Verb.
T.
1.
Properly, to loosen or separate the parts of any thing; hence, to explain; to resolve; to eclaircise; to unfold; to clear up; as what is obscure or difficult to be understood; as, to solve questions; to solve difficulties or a problem. When God shall solve the dark decrees of fate.2.
To remove; to dissipate; as, to solve doubts.Definition 2024
solve
solve
See also: solvé
English
Verb
solve (third-person singular simple present solves, present participle solving, simple past and past participle solved)
- To find an answer or solution to a problem or question; to work out.
- South
- True piety would effectually solve such scruples.
- Tickell
- God shall solve the dark decrees of fate.
- 2013 June 1, “Ideas coming down the track”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8838, page 13 (Technology Quarterly):
- A “moving platform” scheme […] is more technologically ambitious than maglev trains even though it relies on conventional rails. Local trains would use side-by-side rails to roll alongside intercity trains and allow passengers to switch trains by stepping through docking bays. This set-up solves several problems […].
- South
- (mathematics) To find the values of variables that satisfy a system of equations and/or inequalities.
- (mathematics) To algebraically manipulate an equation or inequality into a form that isolates a chosen variable on one side, so that the other side consists of an expression that may be used to generate solutions.
Derived terms
Translations
to find an answer or solution
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Noun
solve (plural solves)
- (obsolete) A solution; an explanation.
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Shakespeare to this entry?)
Anagrams
Italian
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈsɔl.ve/
Verb
solve
- third-person singular present indicative of solvere
Anagrams
Latin
Pronunciation
- (Classical) IPA(key): /ˈsol.we/, [ˈsɔɫ.wɛ]
Verb
solve
- second-person singular present active imperative of solvō
References
- SOLVE in Charles du Fresne du Cange’s Glossarium Mediæ et Infimæ Latinitatis (augmented edition, 1883–1887)