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
• evolvement noun
• evolver 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

A new study of the bizarre naked mole rat shows that the animals have evolved a DNA repair mechanism that could explain their longevity.

Read more on BBC

The near-daily protests erupted on September 25 in anger over regular and lengthy power and water shortages in Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in the world, and evolved into a broader anti-government movement.

Read more on Barron's

The longer he stuck around, the more the NHL evolved to suit his style of play.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But the industry was rapidly changing, and Dombrowski understood that if he wanted to stay relevant, he would have to evolve.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Some patient advocates and medical experts predict AI chatbots will evolve into more sophisticated healthcare agents, coaching behavior, organizing data and even working with clinicians to monitor patients.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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