Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

evolve

American  
[ih-volv] / ɪˈvɒlv /

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 British  
/ 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)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

evolve Scientific  
/ ĭ-vŏlv /
  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
  • evolvement noun
  • evolver noun
  • nonevolving adjective
  • self-evolved adjective
  • self-evolving adjective
  • unevolved adjective

Etymology

Origin of evolve

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin ēvolvere “to unroll, open, unfold,” equivalent to ē- e- 1 + volvere “to roll, turn”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It's a huge surprise because we were expecting this to evolve over the next 10 years," he explained.

From BBC

Chinese brands began to offer more advanced navigational capabilities and extra functions such as mopping, while Roombas were slow to evolve.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company is cautiously optimistic that due to the evolving situation in Venezuela it might obtain the license—or that sanctions will be relaxed, people close to LNG Energy said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Still, while AI agent-based commerce is evolving at a breakneck pace, there is reason for retailers to pause and take a beat.

From The Wall Street Journal

Only later did they evolve the ability to cross open oceans and spread into new environments.

From Science Daily