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

• devolutionary adjective
• devolutionist noun

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

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

From BBC

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.

From BBC

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

From BBC

Under its devolution bill, currently going through Parliament, the government is doubling the amount of time local groups have to raise the money to make a purchase from six months to 12.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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