solve

From Latin solvō.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /sɒlv/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /sɑlv/, /sɔlv/

solve (third-person singular simple present solves, present participle solving, simple past and past participle solved)

1. 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 […].

2. (mathematics) To find the values of variables that satisfy a system of equations and/or inequalities.
3. (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.
4. (transitive) To loosen or separate the parts of.

• resolve
• solvable
• solution

solve (plural solves)

1. (now rare, chiefly law enforcement) A solution; an explanation.
   • (Can we date this quote?) Shakespeare:

     The solve is this, that thou dost common grow.

   • 2014 February 4, The Party, Gil Ozeri and Gabe Liedman (writers), Michael Engler (director), Brooklyn Nine-Nine, season 1, episode 16:

     KEVIN: I decided a long time ago that just because I love Raymond, doesn't mean I have to love the people he works with. Good solve, Detective.

   • 2017, Elodia Strain, The Dating Experiment (→ISBN):

     “Hey, Mr. Quilt Bandit.”

     Ian smiled. “Nice solve, Nancy Drew.”

• loves, slove, voles, voëls

• IPA^(key): /ˈsɔl.ve/
• Rhymes: -ɔlve

solve

1. third-person singular present indicative of solvere

• svelo, svelò, volse

• (Classical) IPA^(key): /ˈsol.we/, [ˈsɔɫ.wɛ]

solve

1. second-person singular present active imperative of solvō

• solve in Charles du Fresne du Cange’s Glossarium Mediæ et Infimæ Latinitatis (augmented edition, 1883–1887)