devolve

[dih-volv]

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.

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• devolvement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of devolve¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of devolve¹

C15: from Latin dēvolvere to roll down, fall into, from _de- + volvere to roll

Example Sentences

Scotland and Wales have their own land and transaction taxes overseen by the devolved administrations.

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In many instances, Bondi’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee devolved into personal attacks against Democrats, who expressed dismay at their inability to get her to answer their inquiries.

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The corpses proved to be insufficient surrogates for Gein, who later devolved into murdering middle-aged women who reminded him of his mother.

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Ending the fear that our justice system is devolving into secrecy and lawlessness will reduce tension, and the potential for violence.

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Robinson will again express support for being part of Northern Ireland's devolved government, saying "things happen" when DUP ministers hold office.

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When To Use

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.