The verb to solve is generally used to mean find a solution – for example an answer or explanation. We solve a problem, something with a logical or complete answer.
The verb to resolve has a number of meanings, one of which is to deal with conclusively – that is, to settle something, effectively to finish it in an acceptable way. This meaning of resolve is close to the meaning of solve, but with the difference that solve is used to find the correct answer to a problem; resolve is used more generally to conclude a problem.
The conclusion reached with resolving something may be one of many choices, and it may not please everyone, but it concludes the problem, finishing it. The conclusion reached with solving a problem, however, suggests the correct and definite answer has been found.
Here’s a little more detail below, with an exercise.
When do we use solve or resolve?
This difference means that solve and resolve are often used in slightly different contexts. To generalise, we tend to solve something objective, and resolve something subjective. That is, problems that require solving have a factual, simple (typically right or wrong) solution; problems that we resolve have a debatable, flexible solution. Solve and resolve may therefore be found in different collocations:
Solve concerns logical problems:
- Solve a maths problem
- Solve a riddle
- Solve a dilemma
- Solve a computing problem
Resolve typically concerns emotional problems:
- Resolve a dispute
- Resolve a conflict
- Resolve a disagreement
Solve vs Resolve Exercise
Complete the following past tense sentences with the most appropriate verb – either solve or resolve.
- I _____ the mystery of the missing chair.
- The girls _____ their argument by reaching a compromise.
- The maze was impossible to _____.
- We _____ the problem with our boiler by replacing one of the parts.
- He _____ the dispute between the two diplomats, though neither were happy.
Exercise Answers
- I solved the mystery of the missing chair.
- The girls resolved their argument by reaching a compromise.
- The maze was impossible to solve.
- We solved the problem with our boiler by replacing one of the parts.
- He resolved the dispute between the two diplomats, though neither were happy.
This is a great explanation. Thanks!
You’re welcome, glad it helped!
This is so clear!!!!! Thank you for this excellent explanation!
You’re welcome, thanks for saying!
Still one more question. When you put sugar in water do you solve or resolve it?
to solve sugar in water.
That would be “dissolve”.
Got cleared my doubt, thank you so much,
You’re welcome!
What if I have an issue at work ( someone did a mistake at work) can I say the issue has been resolved!
Yes, if it’s been dealt with, that’s quite a common expression.
Fantastic explanation..
Lovely explanation.
Thanks Claudio!
Excellent explanation!’!!
very clear thank you so much for the hard work!
You’re welcome, glad it helps!
Hey bud, I have a question: My students are learning Business English. They normally have to give Oral Presentations. One of them said, “I need to resolve problems at work.” I believe this is correct. However, a colleague says that the correct verb should be solve. Now the SS is an Internal Control Auditor for the company he works for. This is the reason I believe resolve is the correct verb. What do you think?
Hi Bobby,
Yes, in a case like that I think there’s flexibility – if the nature of the work is more geared towards resolutions then “resolving problems” might more accurately describe what he does. Solve could sound more accurate in a general sense here, as I think we’re more likely to use solve in the collocation with problem, but if you’ve got a specific type of problem in mind then there’s no reason resolve shouldn’t work. Problem itself doesn’t specify if it’s an objective or subjective situation, after all. To avoid any confusion though, it might be best to use a more specific word (e.g. “I resolve crises”).
I love this explanation. I heard the word “resolve” in my spirit this morning. During my meditation time, I realize that I have some family issues that are what they are and I have allowed them to hinder my growth. I need to “resolve” to move on knowing that I can’t change others – only myself. Thanks again. I must see what I see and know that what I see is what I see!! It is time to move forward – there will always be obstacles, but I have the resolve to keep going. Thanks again.
Thanks for the explanation. It’s very clear
You’re welcome, I’m glad it helps!
Ignore my previous question. I guess thats dissolve
No problem, yes that would be dissolve!
Hi Phil, great explanation!
So when it comes to customer service, 「We solve your problem」vs 「We resolve your problem」, which is the better one?
I‘m currently trying to come up with a slogan for our help desk product. And it is SAAS so we aren’t aiming at a particular industry.
Hi,
That’s a good question; “solve” would be the more common collocation here and would sound more natural as an everyday occurrence, so I would probably suggest that. As a service, “resolve” would be more appropriate in a situation requiring some kind of mediation or more elaborate process. (Note I’d also put “problem” in the plural, “problems”, to make it an ongoing/unlimited rule.)
Phil
this office recommends closing the case and deeming it SOLVED or RESOLVED?
We’d typically use ‘solve’ with a case, as something that needs a clear answer/solution, as with a problem/mystery.