evolve

[ih-volv]

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

/ 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)

evolve

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
• evolver noun
• evolvement noun
• nonevolving adjective
• self-evolved adjective
• self-evolving adjective
• unevolved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of evolve¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of evolve¹

C17: from Latin ēvolvere to unfold, from volvere to roll

Example Sentences

To improve forecasts, researchers must follow how solar material and magnetic structures evolve across the Sun and through space, not just from the limited perspective of Earth's orbital plane.

Read more on Science Daily

"The tariffs are impacting our business similarly to other companies, and we are closely monitoring the evolving situation," the company said.

Read more on BBC

"State actors continue to present a significant threat to UK and global cyber security, aided by an evolving cyber intrusion sector," it said.

Read more on Barron's

Contract law, for example, has evolved over centuries through judicial decisions, creating a body of precedent that provides businesses with predictability while accommodating change.

Read more on Barron's

Here’s what forecasters are predicting, although they caution the situation is evolving and subject to change.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• derive 
• emerge 
• expand 
• get 
• grow 
• mature 
• unfold