solve vs resolve

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whl626

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These two words seem to be interchangeable as far as dealing a problem is concerned.

What is the main difference between them ? Some dics won't give a clear cut explantion to it, though.

Thanks in advance
 

MikeNewYork

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whl626 said:
These two words seem to be interchangeable as far as dealing a problem is concerned.

What is the main difference between them ? Some dics won't give a clear cut explantion to it, though.

Thanks in advance

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.
 

henry

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Mar 7, 2004
whl626 said:
These two words seem to be interchangeable as far as dealing a problem is concerned.

What is the main difference between them ? Some dics won't give a clear cut explantion to it, though.

Thanks in advance
:roll: hi
I agree with Mike NY's explanation bisically.
But to my best knowledge, to resolve also means to find a satisfactory solution to a problem.
 
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