evolve

[ ih-volv ]

verb (used with object)

, e·volved, e·volv·ing.

1. to develop gradually:

   to evolve a scheme.

2. to give off or emit, as odors or vapors.

verb (used without object)

, e·volved, e·volv·ing.

1. to come forth gradually into being; develop; undergo evolution:

   The whole idea evolved from a casual remark.

2. to gradually change one's opinions or beliefs:

   candidates who are still evolving on the issue;

   an evolved feminist mom.

3. Biology. to develop by a process of evolution to a different adaptive state or condition:

   The human species evolved from an ancestor that was probably arboreal.

evolve

/ ɪˈvɒlv /

verb

1. to develop or cause to develop gradually
2. intr (of animal or plant species) to undergo evolution
3. tr to yield, emit, or give off (heat, gas, vapour, etc)

evolve

/ ĭ-vŏlv′ /

1. To undergo biological evolution, as in the development of new species or new traits within a species.
2. To develop a characteristic through the process of evolution.
3. To undergo change and development, as the structures of the universe.

Derived Forms

• eˈvolvement, noun
• eˈvolvable, adjective
• eˈvolver, noun

Other Words From

• e·volva·ble adjective
• e·volvement noun
• e·volver noun
• none·volving adjective
• self-e·volved adjective
• self-e·volving adjective
• une·volved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of evolve¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin ēvolvere “to unroll, open, unfold,” equivalent to ē- e- ¹ + volvere “to roll, turn”

Word History and Origins

Origin of evolve¹

C17: from Latin ēvolvere to unfold, from volvere to roll

Example Sentences

Plus there is another problem that the viruses pose—the problem that apparently is the culprit this year—they evolve.

From The Daily Beast

He expected European capitalism to evolve spontaneously into a market socialism of worker-owned cooperatives.

From The Daily Beast

Beyond that, how will China evolve its rigid Internet policy?

From The Daily Beast

Darwin was among the many scientists that have helped society evolve out of mysticism, superstition and faith.

From The Daily Beast

WITW: How did your brand evolve and what were the important elements to building it?

From The Daily Beast

But France had had enough of the Terror, and knew that she could evolve her safety by other means than that of the guillotine.

From Project Gutenberg

But before I have time to evolve a satisfactory explanation, I hear Wingie tiptoeing back.

From Project Gutenberg

Spottily, and maybe that's worse, because some parts will evolve forward and others reverse, as is happening in my own body.

From Project Gutenberg

But it was a truce only and there was no indication that it could ever evolve into friendship.

From Project Gutenberg

Out of this vast sea of mud Nature has had to evolve another creation, beginning de novo, with her lowest forms.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• derive
• emerge
• expand
• get
• grow
• mature
• unfold