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Solution

n. hopeful, capable professional

What it means

Meaning 1

A method or answer that resolves a problem.

Reach for it when naming a workable response supported by the actual cause and constraints

A raised intake pipe provided a durable solution to the sediment problem.

Meaning 2

A liquid mixture in which one substance is dissolved in another.

Reach for it when describing a specific chemical mixture without implying a problem answer

The technician prepared a fresh saline solution.

Words to choose between 8

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom, and by meaning across. Tap a word to see when it fits.
Meaning 1Meaning 2
playful
everyday
professional

Meaning 1: A method or answer that resolves a problem.

  • playful

    fix

    Fits when a direct informal correction is enough

    Careful Fix can imply a temporary patch.

  • everyday

    answer

    Fits when a question or problem has a clear response

    Careful An answer may be theoretical and not workable.

  • professional

    approach

    Fits when a promising method has not yet proved successful

    Careful An approach is more honest than solution before validation.

  • professional

    remedy

    Fits when correcting harm or illness is central

    Careful A remedy may only reduce symptoms.

  • professional

    resolution

    Fits when a dispute or uncertainty is settled

    Careful Resolution describes the outcome more than the method.

Meaning 2: A liquid mixture in which one substance is dissolved in another.

  • everyday

    mixture

    Fits when combined substances are the broad fact

    Careful A mixture need not have anything dissolved.

  • professional

    dissolution

    Fits when the process or result of dissolving is central

    Careful Dissolution can also mean ending an organization.

  • professional

    preparation

    Fits when a formulated liquid product is meant

    Careful Preparation is broad and need not be a solution.

Opposites 4

  • problem
  • obstacle
  • suspension
  • precipitate

Common phrases 4

  • practical solution

    The workshop developed a practical solution using standard parts.

  • lasting solution

    Reliable drainage offered a lasting solution rather than another patch.

  • aqueous solution

    The aqueous solution remained clear after mixing.

  • saline solution

    Use sterile saline solution for the approved cleaning step.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated