solve

[solv] /sɒlv/
verb (used with object), solved, solving.
1.
to find the answer or explanation for; clear up; explain:
to solve the mystery of the missing books.
2.
to work out the answer or solution to (a mathematical problem).
Origin
1400-50; late Middle English solven < Latin solvere to loosen, free, release, dissolve
Related forms
solver, noun
presolve, verb (used with object), presolved, presolving.
unsolved, adjective
well-solved, adjective
Synonyms
1. resolve, unravel, untangle, crack.
Examples from the web for solve
  • There are questions to answer and mysteries to solve.
  • There is a difference between memorizing question-answer sets and really learning how to solve a novel problem.
  • Helping students solve problems teaches them how to think.
  • In this photo matching game, meet some animals that have helped scientists discover ways to solve everyday problems.
  • There's a reason millions of people try to solve crossword puzzles each day.
  • To solve this problem, reset the controller to take seasonal rainfall and weather conditions into account.
  • Escher's bag of optical tricks to get your eyes to solve logic problems.
  • Stories concern her investigations as she attempts to help her father solve baffling crimes.
  • All that's necessary to solve the crisis is to show markets that the money is there to pay off the creditors.
  • solve a phrase by guessing the letters of every word.
British Dictionary definitions for solve

solve

/sɒlv/
verb (transitive)
1.
to find the explanation for or solution to (a mystery, problem, etc)
2.
(maths)
  1. to work out the answer to (a problem)
  2. to obtain the roots of (an equation)
Derived Forms
solver, noun
Word Origin
C15: from Latin solvere to loosen, release, free from debt
Word Origin and History for solve
v.

late 14c., "to disperse, dissipate, loosen," from Latin solvere "to loosen, dissolve; untie, release, detach; depart; unlock; scatter; dismiss; accomplish, fulfill; explain; remove," from PIE *se-lu-, from reflexive pronoun *s(w)e- (see idiom) + root *leu- "to loosen, divide, cut apart" (see lose). The meaning "explain, answer" is attested from 1530s; for sense evolution, see solution. Mathematical use is attested from 1737. Related: Solved; solving.

solve in Technology


Parallel object-oriented language. "Message Pattern Specifications: A New Technique for Handling Errors in Parallel Object- Oriented Systems", J.A. Purchase et al, SIGPLAN Notices 25(10):116-125 (OOPSLA/ECOOP '90) (Oct 1990).