solve or resolve

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A pair of verbs compared to show when to use 'solve' and when to use 'resolve'.

   Grammar: Used as a heading or question when someone is unsure which of the two verbs fits.

   The teacher wrote 'solve or resolve' on the board and asked us to choose.

   I looked up 'solve or resolve' because I never know which one to use in emails.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To find the correct answer to a problem, puzzle, or question.

   Grammar: Takes an object, usually a problem, puzzle, crime, or equation: solve the puzzle.

   Patterns

   • solve a problem
   • solve a puzzle
   • solve a crime
   • solve an equation

   It took her two hours to solve the last crossword clue.

   The police finally solved the case after a new witness came forward.

   Can you solve this equation for x?

3. 3verbtransitiveformal

   To settle a disagreement, doubt, or difficulty so that it no longer exists.

   Grammar: Takes an object such as a dispute, conflict, or issue; very common in the passive: the matter was resolved.

   Patterns

   • resolve a dispute
   • resolve a conflict
   • resolve an issue
   • resolve a doubt

   The two companies resolved their dispute without going to court.

   We hope to resolve the matter before the end of the month.

   Her doubts about the job were resolved after she met the team.

4. 4verbtransitiveformal

   To make a firm decision to do something.

   Grammar: Followed by 'to' plus a verb: she resolved to work harder.

   Patterns

   • resolve to do something

   After the meeting, he resolved to speak to his manager directly.

   She resolved to save more money each month.

Common combinations

solve a problem

Engineers were brought in to solve the problem quickly.

solve a mystery

The detective solved the mystery in the final chapter.

resolve a dispute

A neutral adviser helped them resolve the dispute.

resolve an issue

Please contact support so we can resolve the issue.

resolve to do something

He resolved to call his parents every weekend.

Synonyms and how they differ

fix

Informal and general; it can mean repair or put right, so it fits a broken machine better than a math problem.

settle

Close to 'resolve' for arguments and disagreements, but it cannot mean 'find the answer to a puzzle'.

work out

Informal and often means 'find the answer by thinking'; it does not carry the formal, official tone of 'resolve'.

figure out

American and informal; good for puzzles and explanations, not for ending a formal conflict.

Word family

solution noun

The answer to a problem, or a liquid mixture in chemistry.

resolution noun

A formal decision, or the act of settling a problem.

solvable adjective

Able to be solved, as in a solvable puzzle.

resolute adjective

Determined and firm in purpose; related to 'resolve' as a decision.

unresolved adjective

Not yet settled or solved, as in an unresolved question.

Commonly confused: solve or resolve or dissolve? solve or resolve or absolve?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “solve or resolve”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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