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

Education is a devolved issue, and each nation in the UK has its own system for supporting students with additional needs.

From BBC

Although the recently announced government consultation on social media concerns the whole of the UK, its guidance for schools on phones only includes England, as education is a devolved policy area.

From BBC

Control over water in Wales is largely devolved to Cardiff Bay.

From BBC

The situation is different in Scotland and Wales, where passenger services are run by the devolved governments.

From BBC

The figures only relate to England as housing matters are devolved elsewhere across the UK.

From BBC