• (RP) IPA: /sɒlv/
• (GA) IPA: /sɑlv/, /sɔlv/

solve (solves, present participle solving; past and past participle solved)

1. To find an answer or solution to a problem or question; to work out.

   • True piety would effectually solve such scruples.

   • God shall solve the dark decrees of fate.

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.

• French: résoudre, régler, solutionner
• German: lösen
• Portuguese: resolver, solucionar
• Russian: реша́ть
• Spanish: resolver, solucionar, solventar

solve (plural solves)

1. (now, rare, chiefly, law enforcement) A solution; an explanation.
   • 1609, William Shakespeare, “Sonnet 69”, in Shake-speares Sonnets. Neuer before Imprinted, London: By G[eorge] Eld for T[homas] T[horpe] and are to be sold by William Aspley, OCLC 216596634 ↗:

     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 1462127290):

     “Hey, Mr. Quilt Bandit.”

     Ian smiled. “Nice solve, Nancy Drew.”