- solve (v.)
- mid-15c., "to disperse, dissipate, loosen," from Latin solvere "to loosen, dissolve, untie," from PIE *se-lu-, from reflexive pronoun *swe- + base *leu- "to loosen, divide, cut apart" (cf. Greek lyein "to loosen, release, untie," Old English -leosan "to lose," leas "loose;" see lose). The meaning "explain, answer" is attested from 1530s; for sense evolution, see solution. Mathematical use is attested from 1737. Related: Solved; solving.