evolution
ee-vuh-LOOSHN
Evolution (noun) means the gradual process by which species of living things change over many generations, driven by natural selection. Example: “Darwin's theory of evolution explains how species adapt over time.”
noun
1
The gradual process by which species of living things change over many generations, driven by natural selection.
"Darwin's theory of evolution explains how species adapt over time."
"Through evolution, giraffes slowly developed longer necks over countless generations."
"The fossils in the museum show how evolution shaped the bodies of early birds."
2
A gradual process of development or change in something over time.
"The evolution of smartphones has been remarkably fast."
"You can trace the evolution of the company's brand over three decades."
"Her evolution from shy beginner to confident speaker took several years of practice."
How to use evolution
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGradual change over time — most often used for species adapting biologically, but also for anything that develops step by step.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
theory of evolution
evolution of
rapid evolution
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like evolution.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- evolutions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Darwin's theory of _____ explains how species adapt over time.
Etymology
From Latin ēvolūtiō, "the unrolling (of a scroll)," from ēvolvere, "to unroll or unfold."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for evolution
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for evolution →
Frequently asked questions
What does “evolution” mean?
The word “evolution” means the gradual process by which species of living things change over many generations, driven by natural selection. In plain terms, gradual change over time — most often used for species adapting biologically, but also for anything that develops step by step.
How do you pronounce “evolution”?
“Evolution” is pronounced ee-vuh-LOOSHN (/ˌɛvəˈluʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).
How do you use “evolution” in a sentence?
Here is “evolution” used in a sentence: “Darwin's theory of evolution explains how species adapt over time.”
What is the opposite of “evolution”?
The opposite of “evolution” — its antonyms — are stagnation, revolution and extinction.
What part of speech is “evolution”?
“Evolution” is a noun.
Where does the word “evolution” come from?
The word “evolution” comes from Latin. From Latin ēvolūtiō, "the unrolling (of a scroll)," from ēvolvere, "to unroll or unfold.".
Is “evolution” a common word?
“Evolution” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “evolution” have?
“Evolution” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the gradual process by which species of living things change over many generations, driven by natural selection.
What is the difference between evolution and natural selection?
Evolution is the outcome — the gradual change in the inherited traits of a species across many generations. Natural selection is one of the main mechanisms that drives it: individuals better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce, passing on their traits. Evolution is the change; natural selection is a cause.
Is evolution a theory or a fact?
It is both, in different senses. That living things have evolved and share common ancestry is an observed fact, supported by fossils, genetics, and direct observation. The theory of evolution is the well-tested scientific explanation of how that change happens. In science, a strong theory explains established facts.
What is an example of evolution?
A clear modern example is antibiotic resistance: bacteria that survive a drug pass on their resistance, so the population evolves to withstand it. Other examples include the peppered moth's colour shift during industrialisation and the varied beak shapes of Darwin's finches, each suited to a different food source.
Who developed the theory of evolution?
Charles Darwin is credited with the theory, set out in his 1859 book On the Origin of Species. Alfred Russel Wallace independently reached the same idea of natural selection around the same time. Later discoveries in genetics combined with Darwin's work to form the modern understanding of evolution.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include evolution:
