What does "solved" mean?

1. (found an answer) to have found the answer to a problem, question, or mystery in the past. 2. (having a solution) describes a problem or puzzle that has already been answered.

How do you use "solved"?

Transitive verb; always requires an object like 'problem', 'mystery', or 'equation'. Often used as a predicative adjective after 'is' or 'was'.

solved

v. · adj.

US //ˈsɑɫvd// UK //sˈɒlvd// solved

1 found an answer (v.)
A2 Elementary

to have found the answer to a problem, question, or mystery in the past.

the past tense of 'solve', indicating the successful discovery of a solution or explanation for a difficulty.

Example

The police finally solved the mystery after finding new evidence.

Example

The engineering team solved the structural issue by reinforcing the base with a more durable composite material.

Usage

Transitive verb; always requires an object like 'problem', 'mystery', or 'equation'.
- failed
- missed
2 having a solution (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

describes a problem or puzzle that has already been answered.

describing a state where a solution or explanation has been established. Usually non-gradable.

Example

Once the case is solved, the files are moved to the basement.

Example

The detective viewed the case as solved, despite the lingering doubts expressed by the local press.

Usage

Often used as a predicative adjective after 'is' or 'was'.
- settled
- cleared up
- unsolved
- mysterious