evolve

[ ih-volv ]

verb (used with object)

, e·volved, e·volv·ing.

1. to develop gradually:

   to evolve a scheme.

2. to give off or emit, as odors or vapors.

verb (used without object)

, e·volved, e·volv·ing.

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

/ ĭ-vŏlv′ /

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.

Derived Forms

• eˈvolvable, adjective
• eˈvolver, noun
• eˈvolvement, noun

Other Words From

• 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

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

Related Words

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