evolve

evolve

verb
\i-ˈvälv, -ˈvȯlv, ē- also -ˈväv or -ˈvȯv\

evolvedevolv·ing

Definition of EVOLVE

transitive verb

1

: emit

2

a : derive, educe b : to produce by natural evolutionary processes c : develop, work out <evolve social, political, and literary philosophies — L. W. Doob>

intransitive verb

: to undergo evolutionary change

— evolv·able \-ˈväl-və-bəl, -ˈvȯl- also -ˈvä-və- or -ˈvȯ-və-\ adjective

— evolve·ment \-ˈvälv-mənt, -ˈvȯlv- also -ˈväv- or -ˈvȯv-\ noun

Examples of EVOLVE

1. Her company has evolved from a hobby into a thriving business.
2. Some flowers have evolved remarkable means of insect pollination.

Origin of EVOLVE

Latin evolvere to unroll, from e- + volvere to roll — more at voluble

First Known Use: 1775

Related to EVOLVE

Synonyms: elaborate, develop, unfold

Related Words: advance, fare, forge, get along, get on, march, proceed, progress; blossom, grow, mature, ripen; materialize; emerge, play out

Near Antonyms: absorb, inhale, soak (up), sponge, suck (up), take up

see all synonyms and antonyms

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