Definitions
- Referring to the transfer of power or responsibility from a higher authority to a lower one. - Describing the gradual or natural evolution of something into a different form or state. - Talking about the passing down of traits or characteristics from one generation to the next.
- Describing the process of becoming worse in quality, condition, or value. - Referring to the decline or decay of something over time. - Talking about the worsening of a situation or relationship.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a negative change over time.
- 2Both words suggest a gradual process rather than an abrupt change.
- 3Both words can be used to describe physical and non-physical changes.
- 4Both words have negative connotations.
What is the difference?
- 1Direction: Devolve implies a transfer or evolution towards a different state or form, while deteriorate suggests a decline or worsening of the current state.
- 2Cause: Devolve can be caused by intentional or natural processes, while deteriorate is often caused by neglect, damage, or other external factors.
- 3Scope: Devolve can refer to a specific aspect or feature of something, while deteriorate usually describes the overall condition or quality of something.
- 4Connotation: Devolve can have neutral or positive connotations, while deteriorate is always negative.
- 5Usage: Devolve is less common and more formal than deteriorate, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
Remember this!
Devolve and deteriorate both describe negative changes over time, but they differ in their direction, cause, scope, connotation, and usage. Devolve suggests a transfer or evolution towards a different state or form, while deteriorate implies a decline or worsening of the current state. Devolve can be caused by intentional or natural processes, while deteriorate is often caused by neglect, damage, or other external factors. Devolve can have neutral or positive connotations, while deteriorate is always negative. Devolve is less common and more formal than deteriorate, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
