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evolve

[ ih-volv ]
/ ɪˈvɒlv /
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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.
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Origin of evolve

1635–45; <Latin ēvolvere to unroll, open, unfold, equivalent to ē-e-1 + volvere to roll, turn

OTHER WORDS FROM evolve

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

Words related to evolve

derive, emerge, expand, get, grow, mature, unfold, advance, disclose, educe, elaborate, enlarge, excogitate, increase, obtain, open, result, ripen, work out

How to use evolve in a sentence

  • In short, evolution requires a previous Evolver; since it cannot have been going on for ever, and it cannot have started itself.

    The Truth of Christianity|William Harry Turton

  • We p. xxiiihold in this case to our old idea, and say—If there be evolution, there must be an evolver.

    Westminster Sermons|Charles Kingsley

  • This mode of popular speech reached the climax of absurdity when it was gravely argued that "Evolution implies an Evolver."

    The Philosophy of Natural Theology|William Jackson

  • We hold in this case to our old idea, and say: If there be evolution, there must be an evolver.

    Scientific Essays and Lectures|Charles Kingsley

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)

Derived forms of evolve

evolvable, adjectiveevolvement, nounevolver, noun

Word Origin for evolve

C17: from Latin ēvolvere to unfold, from volvere to roll
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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