evolve
verb (used with object)
to develop gradually.
had evolved
-
past perfectof evolve.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Scientists later determined that the birds were all closely related finches whose differently shaped beaks had evolved to suit different foods.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 30, 2026
The U.S. had evolved from a predominantly agrarian to an urbanized, industrial society, and its institutions needed to evolve as well.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 4, 2026
Ipsa chairman Richard Lloyd said the role of an MP had "evolved", with parliamentarians "dealing with higher levels of complex casework, and abuse and intimidation".
From BBC ● Mar. 2, 2026
While luxury consumers had evolved, luxury department stores hadn’t kept pace.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 14, 2026
Mary laid the thing down and thought about the way this world had evolved.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
