devolve
[ dih-volv ]
/ dɪˈvɒlv /
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verb (used with object), de·volved, de·volv·ing.
to transfer or delegate (a duty, responsibility, etc.) to or upon another; pass on.
Obsolete. to cause to roll downward.
verb (used without object), de·volved, de·volv·ing.
to be transferred or passed on from one to another: The responsibility devolved on me.
Archaic. to roll or flow downward.
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Origin of devolve
1375–1425; late Middle English devolven<Latin dēvolvere to roll down, equivalent to dē-de- + volvere to roll
OTHER WORDS FROM devolve
de·volve·ment, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use devolve in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for devolve
devolve
/ (dɪˈvɒlv) /
verb
(foll by on, upon, to, etc) to pass or cause to pass to a successor or substitute, as duties, power, etc
(intr; foll by on or upon) law (of an estate, etc) to pass to another by operation of law, esp on intestacy or bankruptcy
(intr; foll by on or upon) to depend (on)your argument devolves on how you interpret this clause
archaic to roll down or cause to roll down
Derived forms of devolve
devolvement, nounWord Origin for devolve
C15: from Latin dēvolvere to roll down, fall into, from de- + volvere to roll
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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