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

Example Sentences

A newly described pterosaur found in Germany has provided fresh insights into how these flying reptiles evolved from small, climbing animals to the large, flying ones that dominated prehistoric skies.

From Science Magazine

Rezvan and Sana are young and smart enough to recognize the regime’s cruelty, which makes Najmeh’s evolving mindset the film’s emotional center.

From Los Angeles Times

Modern humans, Neanderthals, and other recent relatives on our human family tree evolved bigger brains much more rapidly than earlier species, a new study of human brain evolution has found.

From Science Daily

Chimpanzees are known for their remarkable intelligence and use of tools, but could their cultures also evolve over time like human cultures?

From Science Daily

Lead is absorbed in the small intestine, where it can latch onto cellular receptors that evolved to carry iron and other metals.

From Salon

Related Words

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