evolve
Americanverb (used with object)
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to develop gradually.
to evolve a scheme.
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to give off or emit, as odors or vapors.
verb (used without object)
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to come forth gradually into being; develop; undergo evolution.
The whole idea evolved from a casual remark.
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to gradually change one's opinions or beliefs.
candidates who are still evolving on the issue;
an evolved feminist mom.
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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.
verb
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to develop or cause to develop gradually
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(intr) (of animal or plant species) to undergo evolution
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(tr) to yield, emit, or give off (heat, gas, vapour, etc)
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To undergo biological evolution, as in the development of new species or new traits within a species.
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To develop a characteristic through the process of evolution.
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To undergo change and development, as the structures of the universe.
Other Word Forms
- evolvable adjective
- evolvement noun
- evolver noun
- nonevolving adjective
- self-evolved adjective
- self-evolving adjective
- unevolved adjective
Etymology
Origin of evolve
First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin ēvolvere “to unroll, open, unfold,” equivalent to ē- e- 1 + volvere “to roll, turn”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The CPL continues to evolve and develop, with the first team from Quebec province, Supra du Quebec, debuting in the 2026 season.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
The details always evolve and shift, but the plan remains.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
It may even evolve into a complete nutritional feed.
From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026
Barr said he supported the Fed’s recent decision to hold rates steady while officials assess how those risks evolve.
From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026
But why should a germ evolve the apparently self-defeating strategy of killing its host?
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
