devolve

American  

[dih-volv] / dɪˈvɒlv /

verb (used with object)

devolved, devolving

1. to transfer or delegate (a duty, responsibility, etc.) to or upon another; pass on.

2. Obsolete. to cause to roll downward.

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verb (used without object)

devolved, devolving

1. to be transferred or passed on from one to another.

   The responsibility devolved on me.

2. Archaic. to roll or flow downward.

devolve British  

/ dɪˈvɒlv /

verb

1. to pass or cause to pass to a successor or substitute, as duties, power, etc

2. (intr; foll by on or upon) law (of an estate, etc) to pass to another by operation of law, esp on intestacy or bankruptcy

3. (intr; foll by on or upon) to depend (on)

   your argument devolves on how you interpret this clause

4. archaic to roll down or cause to roll down

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Usage

What does devolve mean? To devolve means to transfer or pass on from one to another, as in The discussion about world economics devolved into talking about who earns more money.To devolve also means to delegate or pass on responsibility to another, as in When the governor stepped down from office, his duties devolved to the lieutenant governor.Example: I usually devolve my weekly writeup to my assistant.

Other Word Forms

• devolvement noun

Etymology

Origin of devolve

1375–1425; late Middle English devolven < Latin dēvolvere to roll down, equivalent to dē- de- + volvere to roll

Example Sentences

That could cause a correction to devolve into a bear market.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

The UK and Welsh governments will consult jointly on plans to devolve powers to Wales to allow for a vacant land tax.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

The Lakers got blown out again Tuesday, letting a close game devolve into a 128-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025

A big part of the denial is not realizing or admitting that you can continue to get sicker, that your health can devolve, the disease can and likely will get worse if left untreated.

From Salon • May 29, 2025

The arguments over Bailey’s future began early and occur frequently, though at this point they often devolve into repetitive phrases and tense silences.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern