devolve Definition
- 1transfer or delegate (power) to a lower level, especially from central government to local or regional administration
- 2degenerate or deteriorate gradually
- 3pass into (a different state, especially a worse one); degenerate
Using devolve: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "devolve" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The government devolved power to the regions.
Example
The situation devolved into chaos.
Example
The peaceful protest devolved into violence.
Example
The company's financial situation has devolved over the years.
devolve Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for devolve
- delegate
- transfer
- entrust
- degenerate
- deteriorate
- worsen
- hand over
- decline
Antonyms for devolve
Phrases with devolve
Example
The argument devolved into name-calling and insults.
devolve on/upon
to be transferred or delegated to someone or something else
Example
Responsibility for the project will devolve on the new team leader.
Example
The company's financial problems devolved from poor management decisions.
Origins of devolve
from Latin 'devolvere', meaning 'roll down'
Summary: devolve in Brief
The verb 'devolve' [dɪˈvɒlv] can mean to transfer or delegate power from a higher to a lower level, as in 'The government devolved power to the regions,' or to degenerate or deteriorate gradually, as in 'The situation devolved into chaos.' It can also mean to pass into a different, often worse state, as in 'The company's financial situation has devolved over the years.' 'Devolve' is often used in phrases like 'devolve into,' 'devolve on/upon,' and 'devolve from.'