solo /soʊ loʊ/ (solos )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use solo to indicate that someone does something alone rather than with other people. □ He had just completed his final solo album. □ She had long since quit the band for a solo career. ● ADV [ADV after v] Solo is also an adverb. □ Charles Lindbergh became the very first person to fly solo across the Atlantic.
2 N‑COUNT A solo is a piece of music or a dance performed by one person. □ The original version featured a guitar solo.
so|lo|ist /soʊ loʊ I st/ (soloists ) N‑COUNT A soloist is a musician or dancer who performs a solo.
sol|stice /sɒ lst I s/ (solstices ) N‑COUNT The summer solstice is the day of the year with the most hours of daylight, and the winter solstice is the day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight.
sol|uble /sɒ ljʊb ə l/
1 ADJ A substance that is soluble will dissolve in a liquid. □ Uranium is soluble in sea water.
2 COMB If something is water-soluble or fat-soluble , it will dissolve in water or in fat. □ The red dye on the leather is water-soluble. □ …fat-soluble vitamins.
so|lu|tion ◆◆◇ /səluː ʃ ə n/ (solutions )
1 N‑COUNT A solution to a problem or difficult situation is a way of dealing with it so that the difficulty is removed. □ Although he has sought to find a peaceful solution, he is facing pressure to use military force. □ [+ to ] …the ability to sort out simple, effective solutions to practical problems.
2 N‑COUNT The solution to a puzzle is the answer to it. □ [+ to ] …the solution to crossword No. 19721.
3 N‑COUNT A solution is a liquid in which a solid substance has been dissolved. □ …a warm solution of liquid detergent. COLLOCATIONS solution NOUN 1
adjective + solution : ideal, obvious, possible, simple; long-term, peaceful, practical
verb + solution : find, need, seek; offer, propose, provide SYNONYMS solution NOUN 1
resolution: …in order to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
answer: Prison is not the answer for most young offenders.
key: The key to success is to be ready from the start.
solve ◆◇◇ /sɒ lv/ (solves , solving , solved ) VERB If you solve a problem or a question, you find a solution or an answer to it. □ [V n] Their domestic reforms did nothing to solve the problem of unemployment.
sol|ven|cy /sɒ lv ə nsi/ N‑UNCOUNT A person or organization's solvency is their ability to pay their debts. [BUSINESS ]
sol|vent /sɒ lv ə nt/ (solvents )
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a person or a company is solvent , they have enough money to pay all their debts. [BUSINESS ] □ They're going to have to show that the company is now solvent.
2 N‑VAR A solvent is a liquid that can dissolve other substances. □ …a small amount of cleaning solvent. □ …industrial solvents.
so l|vent abuse N‑UNCOUNT Solvent abuse is the dangerous practice of breathing in the gases from substances such as glue in order to feel as if you are drunk. [BRIT , FORMAL ]
som|bre /sɒ mbə r / in AM, use somber 1 ADJ If someone is sombre , they are serious or sad. □ The pair were in sombre mood. □ His expression became increasingly sombre.
2 ADJ Sombre colours and places are dark and dull. □ …a worried official in sombre black.
som|brero /sɒmbreə roʊ/ (sombreros ) N‑COUNT A sombrero is a hat with a very wide brim which is worn especially in Mexico.
some ◆◆◆ /səm, STRONG sʌm/
1 DET You use some to refer to a quantity of something or to a number of people or things, when you are not stating the quantity or number precisely. □ Robin opened some champagne. □ He went to fetch some books. □ Some children refuse to eat at all and others overeat. ● PRON Some is also a pronoun. □ Our apples are ripe. We're going out this morning with step-ladders to pick some.
2 DET You use some to emphasize that a quantity or number is fairly large. For example, if an activity takes some time, it takes quite a lot of time. [EMPHASIS ] □ The question of local government finance has been the subject of debate for some years. □ I have discussed this topic in some detail. □ He remained silent for some time. □ It took some effort to conceal her relief.
3 DET You use some to emphasize that a quantity or number is fairly small. For example, if something happens to some extent, it happens a little. [EMPHASIS ] □ 'Isn't there some chance that William might lead a normal life?' asked Jill. □ All mothers share to some extent in the tension of a wedding. □ Some fishing is still allowed, but limits have been imposed on the size of the catch.
4 QUANT If you refer to some of the people or things in a group, you mean a few of them but not all of them. If you refer to some of a particular thing, you mean a part of it but not all of it. □ Some of the people already in work will lose their jobs. □ Remove the cover and spoon some of the sauce into a bowl. □ Some of us are sensitive to smells, others find colours easier to remember. ● PRON Some is also a pronoun. □ When the chicken is cooked I'll freeze some.