evolve
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to develop gradually.
to evolve a scheme.
-
to give off or emit, as odors or vapors.
verb (used without object)
-
to come forth gradually into being; develop; undergo evolution.
The whole idea evolved from a casual remark.
-
to gradually change one's opinions or beliefs.
candidates who are still evolving on the issue;
an evolved feminist mom.
-
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.
verb
-
to develop or cause to develop gradually
-
(intr) (of animal or plant species) to undergo evolution
-
(tr) to yield, emit, or give off (heat, gas, vapour, etc)
-
To undergo biological evolution, as in the development of new species or new traits within a species.
-
To develop a characteristic through the process of evolution.
-
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.
These future observations will help scientists better understand dark matter's basic properties and how it may have evolved over cosmic time.
From Science Daily
Haemochromatosis symptoms can evolve over decades as high iron levels in the body cause damage to organs.
From BBC
"It means we have to look at our sports, disciplines and events with fresh eyes to make sure that we are evolving with our times."
From Barron's
How the Australian Open continues to evolve over the next 12 months - with or without Tiley - will be fascinating to watch.
From BBC
"In Warsaw, everything evolves every two or three years."
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
