Remedy vs Solution

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Remedy

Top 2,000 (common) C1 noun

Solution

Top 1,000 (very common) A2 noun

Most common: Solution

	Remedy	Solution
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/ˈremədi/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈremədi/"]/	🇬🇧 /["/səˈluːʃn/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/səˈluːʃn/"]/
Meaning	A way to fix a problem or make something better.	An answer or way to solve a problem.
Example	The herbal remedy helped soothe her cold symptoms quickly.	The solution to the math problem was easier than I expected.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 2,000 (common)	Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level	C1	A2
Part of speech	noun	noun
Collocations	adequate, effective, good, have, pursue, seek, be available, lie in something, remedy against, remedy for, remedy in, rights and remedies, effective, good, common, dose, take, use, need, be available, work, remedy for, adequate, effective, good, have, pursue, seek, be available, lie in something, remedy against, remedy for, remedy in, rights and remedies	complete, comprehensive, partial, look for, seek, work towards/​toward, solution for, solution to, part of the solution, concentrated, strong, dilute, contain, in solution
Antonyms	problem, harm, injury	problem, issue, complication
Common mistakes	Confusing 'remedy' with 'cure' — a remedy may not fully cure something., Using 'remedy' incorrectly as a verb, when it's primarily a noun., Using 'remedy' in very informal situations where a simpler word like 'fix' could work better.	Confused with 'resolution' which can mean a firm decision., Using 'solution' as a verb instead of a noun., Mistaking 'solution' for something that is only mathematical.
Usage notes	Use 'remedy' when discussing solutions to problems, especially in health or legal contexts. It is less common in casual conversations.	Use 'solution' in both formal and informal contexts when discussing problems and their answers. Avoid using it in slang or overly casual conversations.

See it in real clips

House Of Cards › S1 E1

I wanted a solution first.

Agent Carter › S1 E1

"Render it inert with a solution

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. › S1 E1

Solution?

House Of Cards › S1 E1

I wanted a solution first.

Agent Carter › S1 E1

"Render it inert with a solution

Solution

Frequently asked questions: Remedy vs Solution

What's the difference between Remedy and Solution?

Remedy: A way to fix a problem or make something better. Solution: An answer or way to solve a problem.

Which is more common: Remedy and Solution?

Solution is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Remedy and Solution?

Remedy is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.

Are Remedy and Solution the same CEFR level?

Remedy: C1, Solution: A2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Remedy and Solution?

Remedy: noun, Solution: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Remedy: The herbal remedy helped soothe her cold symptoms quickly. Solution: The solution to the math problem was easier than I expected.

Can I use Remedy and Solution interchangeably?

Not always. Remedy and Solution are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.