devolution

[dev-uh-loo-shuhn, dee-vuh-]

noun

1. the act or fact of devolving; passage onward from stage to stage.

2. the passing on to a successor of an unexercised right.

3. Law.,  the passing of property from one to another, as by hereditary succession.

4. Biology.,  degeneration.

5. the transfer of power or authority from a central government to a local government.

devolution

/ ˌdiːvəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. the act, fact, or result of devolving

2. a passing onwards or downwards from one stage to another

3. another word for degeneration

4. a transfer or allocation of authority, esp from a central government to regional governments or particular interests

Other Word Forms

• devolutionist noun
• devolutionary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of devolution¹

1535–45; (< Middle French ) < Medieval Latin dēvolūtiōn- (stem of dēvolūtiō ) a rolling down, equivalent to Latin dēvolūt ( us ) rolled down (past participle of dēvolvere; devolve ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of devolution¹

C16: from Medieval Latin dēvolūtiō a rolling down, from Latin dēvolvere to roll down, sink into; see _devolve

Example Sentences

The conference this weekend is his second both as DUP leader and since devolution was restored in 2024, following a two-year hiatus.

From BBC

Wales has made huge strides in boosting its recycling rate in the decades since devolution.

From BBC

Alongside devolution powers, Sussex is obliged to reorganise its council structure, scrapping all borough, district and county councils and replacing them with new unitary authorities.

From BBC

He said he believed the work he had done as mayor, especially around devolution, was "the way forward" for the country.

From BBC

Imagine a world next May where Labour contrives to lose Wales after 27 years of devolution, and the SNP secures a majority at Holyrood and ramp up pressure for an independence referendum.

From BBC

Related Words

• deterioration 
• downturn 
• drop 
• failure 
• fall 
• recession 
• slump 
• weakening www.thesaurus.com