What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
devolve
Example
The responsibility for managing the project devolved to the local team. [devolved: past tense]
Example
Over time, the language devolved into a dialect with unique features. [devolved: past participle]
deteriorate
Example
The building's condition has deteriorated significantly over the years. [deteriorated: past participle]
Example
The patient's health began to deteriorate rapidly after the surgery. [deteriorate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deteriorate is more commonly used than devolve in everyday language. Deteriorate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while devolve is less common and more formal, often used in legal or political contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between devolve and deteriorate?
Devolve is more formal than deteriorate, which is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
