# solved

/ˈsɑɫvd/ (US) · /sˈɒlvd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/solved
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. found an answer

verb · CEFR A2

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

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

- The police finally solved the mystery after finding new evidence.
- 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'.

### 2. having a solution

adjective · CEFR B1

describes a problem or puzzle that has already been answered.

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

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

## Examples

- The detective finally solved the mystery.
- The engineering team worked through the night and eventually solved the technical issue with the server.
- While the immediate crisis was solved through diplomatic intervention, the underlying tensions between the two neighboring regions remained largely unaddressed for several more decades.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.