devolve

[dɪˈvɒlv]

devolve Definition

• 1. transfer or delegate (power) to a lower level, especially from central government to local or regional administration
• 2. degenerate or deteriorate gradually
• 3. pass 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

• centralize
• consolidate
• improve
• progress

Phrases with devolve

• devolve into

  to degenerate or deteriorate into something else

  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.

• devolve from

  to pass from one state to another, especially a worse one

  Example

  The company's financial problems devolved from poor management decisions.

Origins of devolve

from Latin 'devolvere', meaning 'roll down'

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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.'