From Latin 'solvere' (to loosen, untie) — solving is etymologically untying a knot of confusion.
To find an answer to or explanation for a problem or mystery.
From Latin 'solvere' meaning 'to loosen, untie, dissolve, explain,' from PIE *se-lu- meaning 'to separate, loosen.' Solving a problem is untying it — loosening the knot of confusion. Key roots: *se-lu- (PIE: "to separate, loosen").