devolution

[ dev-uh-loo-shuhnor, especially British, dee-vuh- ]

noun

1. the act or fact of devolving; passage onward from stage to stage.
2. the passing on to a successor of an unexercised right.
3. Law. the passing of property from one to another, as by hereditary succession.
4. Biology. degeneration.
5. the transfer of power or authority from a central government to a local government.

devolution

/ ˌdiːvəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. the act, fact, or result of devolving
2. a passing onwards or downwards from one stage to another
3. another word for degeneration
4. a transfer or allocation of authority, esp from a central government to regional governments or particular interests

Derived Forms

• ˌdevoˈlutionist, nounadjective
• ˌdevoˈlutionary, adjective

Other Word Forms

• devo·lution·ary adjective noun
• devo·lution·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of devolution¹

1535–45; (< Middle French ) < Medieval Latin dēvolūtiōn- (stem of dēvolūtiō ) a rolling down, equivalent to Latin dēvolūt ( us ) rolled down (past participle of dēvolvere; devolve ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of devolution¹

C16: from Medieval Latin dēvolūtiō a rolling down, from Latin dēvolvere to roll down, sink into; see devolve

Example Sentences

He served as deputy minister for local government, deputy minister for health and community care and minister for tourism, culture and sport in the early years of devolution.

From BBC

She said changes made to the bill allowing ministers powers to make regulations about voluntary assisted dying services would "hopefully also provide some reassurance on issues around devolution".

From BBC

But Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the UK government was delivering the largest budget settlement in the history of devolution.

From BBC

But last month, the government announced elections would be postponed in nine areas, where the councils are undertaking reorganisation and devolution.

From BBC

That welfare regime is seen as the Scottish government having different priorities from the UK one, and devolution in action.

From BBC

Related Words

• deterioration
• downturn
• drop
• failure
• fall
• recession
• slump
• weakening