solve
part of speech
verb (solve, solves, solved, solving)
meaning for a pupil
1) To solve a problem is to find the answer to it or the way to make it right. tree →
2) To solve a mystery or crime is to find out what really happened. tree →
3) To solve a puzzle, riddle or equation is to work out its answer. tree →
sense in the lessons
In maths, «solve» is an instruction: work out the answer, show your working and check it (solve 3 x ? = 12 → 4). In science, problem solving means testing ideas. In stories, detectives solve mysteries using clues. In friendships: solve arguments by talking. Phrases: solve a problem, solve a mystery, problem-solving, solve for x.
examples
- I do not pretend to be able to solve this difficult question. (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →
- Can you solve this sum? tree →
- The detective solved the mystery. tree →
- We solved the puzzle together. tree →
- Talking helped them solve the argument. tree →
- Solve the equation: x + 5 = 9. tree →
- She solved the riddle in one minute. tree →
- Scientists try to solve big problems like pollution. tree →
- Use the clues to solve the case. tree →
- The man who thinks he can solve the problem is named Robert Fulton. tree →
note
Noun: solution (the answer). Do not confuse with resolve (decide firmly, or settle) or dissolve (mix into a liquid). In maths, after you solve, check your answer by putting it back into the problem.
In the corpora
- Neighbours sometimes disagree about hedges, fences, noise or rubbish, and most disputes are solved by a friendly chat.
- Knowing the answer to a famous riddle is not the same as solving a new one.
- Octopuses can solve puzzles, open jars, learn by watching and remember people; wild ones carry coconut shell halves to hide in.
- Pigs learn tricks and solve puzzles as well as many dogs, and they can use a mirror to find food hidden behind them.
- Foxes are clever, but crows, ravens and parrots solve puzzles that need several steps; cartoon personalities are made up.
Trees and pragmatics
Every meaning and example of «solve» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.