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Synonyms

evolve

American  
[ih-volv] / ɪˈvɒlv /

verb (used with object)

evolved, evolving
  1. to develop gradually.

    to evolve a scheme.

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


verb (used without object)

evolved, evolving
  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 British  
/ 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)

"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

evolve Scientific  
/ 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.


Other Word Forms

  • evolvable adjective
  • evolvement noun
  • evolver noun
  • nonevolving adjective
  • self-evolved adjective
  • self-evolving adjective
  • unevolved adjective

Etymology

Origin of evolve

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin ēvolvere “to unroll, open, unfold,” equivalent to ē- e- 1 + volvere “to roll, turn”

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.

The agreement was “the right structure at the right time,” Intel Chief Financial Officer David Zinsner said, adding that the company now has a stronger balanced sheet and an evolved corporate strategy.

From The Wall Street Journal

As he continues to dive into different mediums, Cudi says the mission remains the same: to continue evolving, challenging himself artistically and inspiring people along the way.

From Los Angeles Times

“Big Mistakes” is also a big window into Levy’s own evolving sensibilities as a creator and performer, and what finally drew him back to series television.

From Los Angeles Times

Rattlesnakes “evolved this venom millions and millions of years before people were ever even in North America.”

From Los Angeles Times

Researchers have uncovered a powerful genetic mechanism that may help explain how some species evolve with surprising speed.

From Science Daily