evolve

[ih-volv]

verb (used with object)

evolved, evolving 

1. to develop gradually.

   to evolve a scheme.

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

verb (used without object)

evolved, evolving 

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

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.

Other Word Forms

• evolvable adjective
• evolver noun
• evolvement noun
• nonevolving adjective
• self-evolved adjective
• self-evolving adjective
• unevolved 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

The exact rules around both of these tariffs have developed significantly since March and the situation continues to evolve rapidly.

From Salon

Rather than scrutinize Discord and other social platforms, Levin said, Congress would be better served examining the evolving nature of extremism.

From Los Angeles Times

The difference is that in Los Angeles, it spread and evolved more leisurely, from the city core outward.

From Los Angeles Times

There is a risk that what began as a tactical disruption may evolve into a prolonged siege, eroding confidence in Malian state institutions and exposing its fragility.

From BBC

“We are not wired as human beings — biologically, historically — we have not evolved in a way that we are capable of processing those types of violent imagery,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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