Solving: meaning, definitions and examples

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solving

 

[ ˈsɒlvɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

The process of finding a solution to a problem or puzzle.

Synonyms

finding a solution, resolving, working out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solving

Use in general contexts where a problem or puzzle is being addressed, commonly used with mathematical and logical challenges.

  • She is solving a difficult math problem.
  • They spent the afternoon solving the puzzle.
resolving

Commonly used in contexts involving disputes, conflicts, or complex issues requiring negotiation or decision-making.

  • They are resolving their differences through mediation.
  • The company is resolving the issue with the customer complaint.
finding a solution

Best used in situations where a specific solution needs to be discovered, often relevant in technical, scientific, or business contexts.

  • The team is focused on finding a solution to the software bug.
  • He is dedicated to finding a solution for clean energy.
working out

Informal and often used when going through a process to understand or plan something, can also imply effort or collaboration.

  • We are working out the details of the project.
  • They are working out how to improve the system.

Examples of usage

  • She was good at solving complex math equations.
  • He enjoys the challenge of solving difficult puzzles.
Context #2 | Verb

general

Finding an answer or explanation for a problem or question.

Synonyms

figure out, resolve, work out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solving

Used when talking about finding a solution to a problem, often in an academic or technical context.

  • She dedicated hours to solving the complex math problem
  • Solving puzzles can be a fun way to spend your free time
resolve

Often used in formal contexts, particularly when addressing conflicts, disputes, or issues that require a decisive solution.

  • They held a meeting to resolve the ongoing issues between departments
  • The mediator helped to resolve the conflict peacefully
work out

Informal, used for problems or situations that require thinking and effort to find a solution. It can also be used when talking about planning or arranging something.

  • We need to work out the details of our trip
  • He couldn’t work out the answer to the question, so he asked the teacher for help
figure out

Informal, often used when discovering or understanding something through thinking or effort. It's commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • I need to figure out how to use this new software
  • Can you figure out what’s wrong with this machine?

Examples of usage

  • He spent hours trying to solve the mystery.
  • She is determined to solve the issue.

Translations

Translations of the word "solving" in other languages:

🇵🇹 resolvendo

🇮🇳 हल करना

🇩🇪 lösen

🇮🇩 memecahkan

🇺🇦 розв'язування

🇵🇱 rozwiązywanie

🇯🇵 解決する (kaiketsu suru)

🇫🇷 résoudre

🇪🇸 resolviendo

🇹🇷 çözme

🇰🇷 해결 (haegyeol)

🇸🇦 حل (ḥall)

🇨🇿 řešení

🇸🇰 riešenie

🇨🇳 解决 (jiějué)

🇸🇮 reševanje

🇮🇸 lausn

🇰🇿 шешу

🇬🇪 გადაწყვეტა (gadats'qvet'a)

🇦🇿 həll etmək

🇲🇽 resolviendo

Etymology

The word 'solving' originates from the Old English word 'solvian', meaning to loosen or dissolve. Over time, it evolved to encompass the concept of finding solutions to problems or puzzles. The term has been used in various fields, from mathematics to everyday life, to describe the act of resolving a difficult situation or finding an answer. The importance of problem-solving skills has been recognized in education and work environments, highlighting the value of being able to analyze, strategize, and find solutions efficiently.

See also: absolve, dissolve, dissolvent, insolvency, insolvent, solvability, solvable, solvent, solver, unsolvable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,338, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.