evolve

[ ih-volv ]

See synonyms for: evolve evolved evolves evolving on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),e·volved, e·volv·ing.

to develop gradually: to evolve a scheme.
to give off or emit, as odors or vapors.

verb (used without object),e·volved, e·volv·ing.

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.

Origin of evolve

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

Other words from evolve

e·volv·a·ble, adjective
e·volve·ment, noun
e·volv·er, noun
non·e·volv·ing, adjective
self-e·volved, adjective
self-e·volv·ing, adjective
un·e·volved, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use evolve in a sentence

Those broad-brush perspectives on how regional climate is expected to vary are based on slowly evolving planetary patterns that drive weather over the scale of months.
Improved three-week weather forecasts could save lives from disaster | Alexandra Witze | August 27, 2020 | Science News
Hurricanes indeed appear to shape lizard diversity by helping them evolve clingy toes.
Analyze This: Hurricanes may help lizards evolve better grips | Carolyn Wilke | August 26, 2020 | Science News For Students
“The solar magnetic field is evolving all the time,” says solar physicist Zihao Yang of Peking University in Beijing.
Check out the first-ever map of the solar corona’s magnetic field | Lisa Grossman | August 21, 2020 | Science News
Starting around 2012, Google’s search algorithms evolved beyond regression-based models towards deep learning.
1000 Ranking factors: How Google finds signals through the noise | Manick Bhan | July 22, 2020 | Search Engine Watch
You can think of this new infrastructure as a rapidly evolving “matter router” that will employ increasingly complex robotic systems to move products more freely and efficiently.
Why We Need Mass Automation to Pandemic-Proof the Supply Chain | Derik Pridmore | July 10, 2020 | Singularity Hub

Like many Americans—but few Republican presidential candidates—the former Florida governor has evolved on the issue.
Jeb Bush’s Unseen Anti-Gay Marriage Emails | Jackie Kucinich | January 9, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
How far has Congress really evolved on race when in 50 years it has gone from one black senator to two?
The Unbearable Whiteness of Congress | Dean Obeidallah | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
As a result, many plants and animals have evolved innovative ways to avoid inbreeding.
Mongooses, Meerkats, and Ants, Oh My! Why Some Animals Keep Mating All in the Family | Helen Thompson | December 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Cuban hip-hop has evolved as well, both Edgar and Julio talk about the band Los Aldeanos as the new generation of Cuban hip-hop.
Cuban Hip-Hop Was Born in Alamar | Daniel Levin | December 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
How has your sense of the art of self-exposure evolved since then?
Daphne Merkin on Lena Dunham, Book Criticism, and Self-Examination | Mindy Farabee | December 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The evolution theory alleges that they were evolved, slowly, by natural processes out of previously existing matter.
God and my Neighbour | Robert Blatchford
Having evolved this sage remark, Elmer twisted back to his old position and raised the paper.
The Soldier of the Valley | Nelson Lloyd
The carbon dioxid evolved distends the stomach, and its outline can easily be determined by percussion.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd
It is likewise formed daring the decay of animal and vegetable matters, and is consequently evolved from dung and compost heaps.
Elements of Agricultural Chemistry | Thomas Anderson
Whistling over his task, Mr. Chester soon evolved the following "Want Ad."
Dorothy at Skyrie | Evelyn Raymond

British Dictionary definitions for evolve

evolve

/ (ɪˈvɒlv) /

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)

Origin of evolve

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

Derived forms of evolve

evolvable, adjective
evolvement, noun
evolver, noun

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

Scientific definitions for evolve

evolve

[ ĭ-vŏlv′ ]

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.

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