Meaning & use
solutions
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“solutions” is a form of “solution”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Ways of dealing with a difficulty or fixing a problem.
Grammar: Plural of solution; often followed by to or for: solutions to the crisis.
Patterns
- solutions to something
- solutions for someone
The team tested several solutions to the traffic problem.
We are looking for simple solutions for busy families.
There are no easy solutions to this crisis.
nounpluralmathematics
Correct answers to a puzzle, question or mathematical problem.
Grammar: Often used with a book or an equation: solutions to the equation.
Patterns
- solutions to something
The equation has two solutions, one positive and one negative.
The book lists the solutions to every puzzle at the back.
Students compared their solutions before the next lesson.
nounpluralchemistry
Liquids in which a substance such as salt or sugar has dissolved evenly.
Grammar: Chemistry use; often with a word like salt or cleaning: salt solutions.
Patterns
- a solution of something in something
Salt solutions conduct electricity better than pure water.
The nurse prepared two cleaning solutions for the wound.
Different sugar solutions froze at different temperatures.
Common combinations
- offer solutions
- The manager offered solutions, not excuses.
- find solutions
- We need to find solutions before the deadline.
- creative solutions
- Small budgets often lead to creative solutions.
- practical solutions
- The report suggests practical solutions to reduce waste.
- long-term solutions
- Quick fixes will not give us long-term solutions.
Synonyms and how they differ
- answers
- Answers fits questions, puzzles and tests, while solutions also suits real-world problems that need action.
- remedies
- Remedies suggests curing something harmful, such as an illness or injustice, and sounds a little more formal than solutions.
- fixes
- Fixes is informal and suggests a quick repair, often temporary, whereas solutions can mean a complete and lasting answer.
- resolutions
- Resolutions suggests ending a dispute or conflict, and is also used for formal decisions, so it is narrower than solutions.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: solutions or solutes?
solutions vs solutes
A solute is the substance that dissolves in a solution, so solutes are the dissolved parts, not the whole liquid mixtures.
Practice
Which sentence uses solutions in the chemistry sense?
Choose one answer.
Only the beaker sentence refers to liquids with a dissolved substance. The other options use solutions to mean answers to a problem or puzzle.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “solutions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.