Custom Search   [ Correct English | Common Errors |  | Sample Letters | Glossary of Correct Usage | Common Sentences | Q & A ] [ English Compositions | High School Vocab | Words | Phrases | Celebrity | Poetry Corner | SPM essays ] [ Literary English | Word Differentiation ] Sponsored Links <<Prev Questions and Answers Next>>     TOEFL Vocabulary English Conversation English Grammar American Idioms English Comprehension English Summary English News Movie Reviews   solve,  resolve ?             Question : These two words seem to be interchangeable as far as dealing a problem is concerned. What is the main difference between them ? Some dictionaries won't give a clear cut explantion to it, though.       --------------------------------------------------       MikeinNewYork ( English expert )   Both words have meanings that overlap and those that don't. The word "solve" is confined to "finding a solution". One can solve a problem, but one can also solve a puzzle, solve a mathematics equation, etc. One does not usually resolve puzzles or equations. One can also resolve a problem. This can mean finding a solution, but it usually extends beyond that -- to making the problem go away.             I gotta go ? How many of you ? I am well ? get off / get down ? me, my, mine ? See or sees ? Christmas blues ? Wait vs wait for ? Compliment ( s ) ? friend or friend's ?   in advance, ahead of, earlier ? solve,  resolve ? a lot of , lots of ? In, on and along ? Why not Labor's Day ? Present perfect tense, simple past tense    Explain this in Malay            Besides or besides that Know and know of Live or stay ?       Sponsored Links       American Slang English Proverbs English Exercises Common English mistakes Ancient Chinese stories Junior English essays High School English essays Lower Secondary English essays