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

Plaid's annual conference on Saturday endorsed a motion that said Wales was "on a journey to independence, and that enhancing devolution could form part of that journey".

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Labour has led Wales since the start of devolution in 1999, and has dominated Welsh politics for a century.

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Eight politicians are competing in, arguably, the most interesting by-election in the 26-years of Welsh devolution.

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The first minister warned voters not to "gamble" on Reform's "divisive noise" or Plaid's "fantasy politics" claiming they would "destroy" everything Labour has built since devolution.

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He said the UK government had provided "a record settlement for Wales, the biggest since devolution", referring to funding for the Welsh government.

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Related Words

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