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devolve

verb

de·​volve di-ˈvälv How to pronounce devolve (audio)
-ˈvȯlv,
dē-
devolved; devolving

transitive verb

: to pass on (something, such as responsibility, rights, or powers) from one person or entity to another
devolving to western Europe full responsibility for its own defense Christopher Lane

intransitive verb

1
a
: to pass by transmission or succession
the estate devolved on a distant cousin
b
: to fall or be passed usually as a responsibility or obligation
the responsibility for breadwinning has devolved increasingly upon women Barbara Ehrenreich
2
: to come by or as if by flowing down
streams devolving from the mountains
his allegedly subversive campaigns … devolve from his belief in basic American rights Frank Deford
3
: to degenerate through a gradual change or evolution
The scene devolved into chaos.

Did you know?

The Evolution of Devolve

Evolve? Check. Revolve? Check. Devolve? Now we’re on a roll—literally. All three of these words (and more) evolved from the Latin verb volvere, meaning "to set in a circular course, to cause to roll, to bring round." Latin ēvolvere means "to roll out or away"; Latin revolvere means "to roll back to a starting point"; and Latin dēvolvere means "to roll (something) down." In its earliest uses in the 15th century, devolve was about literally rolling down: it meant "to roll onward or downward." Today the word is typically about a more figurative rolling down, as when an organization devolves power—that is, passes power down—to those at a lower level of authority, or when a deteriorating situation is described as "devolving into chaos." One word, multiple uses. That's just how English rolls.

Synonyms

Example Sentences

She cynically asserts that our species is devolving. Somehow the debate devolved into a petty competition to see who could get more applause. Community leaders hope that the new government will devolve more power to the community itself. Responsibility has devolved to the individual teachers.
Recent Examples on the Web Animals stage a workers’ coup on a farm, then devolve into a totalitarian state, in this classic broadside against Stalinism. Washington Post, 6 Sep. 2022 In the show’s pivotal fourth episode, though, it’s Luis Gerardo Méndez who swoops in with a deftly funny performance in a part that could easily devolve into expository nonsense, but instead anchors the entire show. Caroline Framke, Variety, 28 July 2022 There is no indication at this point that the meeting would devolve into another test of Cheney's position in the caucus. Lauren Fox, CNN, 30 Apr. 2021 The pope has been hesitant to directly meddle in politics since the beginning of his papacy — afraid to devolve the Holy See into a normal, secular world power. Fox News, 13 July 2022 International sanctions are hurting Moscow’s ability to replenish its arsenal, forcing Russia to devolve into a secondhand economy dependent on poor substitutes. Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 7 July 2022 Marvel Studios — which returns to Comic-Con this year for the first time since 2019 — is known for Hall H presentations that devolve into Beatlemania-esque hysteria. Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 July 2022 Emerging data tools allow for real-time assessment and corrective action of deviations that could signal or devolve into more significant challenges. Noah Barsky, Forbes, 11 July 2022 But if a parade packed with families and children can devolve into a scene of carnage, her daughters must be prepared for any scenario. Holly Yan, CNN, 10 July 2022 See More

Word History

Etymology

Middle English devolven "to transfer, overthrow," borrowed from Latin dēvolvere "to roll (something) down, (in passive voice) sink or fall back, become subject (to), be passed down (to an heir)," from dē- de- + volvere "to set in a circular course, cause to roll" — more at wallow entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of devolve was in the 15th century

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