evolve
ih-VOLV
Evolve (verb) means of living things or species, to develop and change gradually over many generations. Example: “Birds are believed to have evolved from a group of feathered dinosaurs.”
verb
1
Of living things or species, to develop and change gradually over many generations.
"Birds are believed to have evolved from a group of feathered dinosaurs."
"Over millions of years, whales evolved from small land animals."
"Many insects have evolved clever ways of hiding from predators."
2
To develop gradually into a different or more advanced form.
"The startup evolved from a two-person team into a company of hundreds."
"Her taste in music has evolved a lot since university."
"Our small neighbourhood club evolved into a popular community centre."
3
(chemistry) To give off a gas during a chemical reaction.
"The reaction evolves carbon dioxide as a byproduct."
How to use evolve
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo gradually change and develop into something different, over time.
Common pairings
evolve over time
evolve into
continue to evolve
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like evolve.
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
- Third person singular
- evolves
- Past tense
- evolved
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Birds are believed to have _____ from a group of feathered dinosaurs.
Etymology
From Latin ēvolvere, "to unroll or unfold," from ē- ("out") + volvere ("to roll").
Related words
Rhymes for evolve
See all rhymes for evolve →Frequently asked questions
What does “evolve” mean?
The word “evolve” means of living things or species, to develop and change gradually over many generations. In plain terms, to gradually change and develop into something different, over time.
How do you pronounce “evolve”?
“Evolve” is pronounced ih-VOLV (/ɪˈvɑlv/ in IPA).
How do you use “evolve” in a sentence?
Here is “evolve” used in a sentence: “Birds are believed to have evolved from a group of feathered dinosaurs.”
What part of speech is “evolve”?
“Evolve” is a verb.
Where does the word “evolve” come from?
The word “evolve” comes from Latin. From Latin ēvolvere, "to unroll or unfold," from ē- ("out") + volvere ("to roll").
Is “evolve” a common word?
“Evolve” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “evolve” have?
“Evolve” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: of living things or species, to develop and change gradually over many generations.
What is the difference between evolve and develop?
Evolve typically implies gradual change over an extended period, often driven by natural or internal processes, as with species evolving over many generations. Develop is broader and can describe change that happens more quickly or is deliberately directed, such as developing a plan or skill.
Can evolve be used for things other than living species?
Yes, evolve is commonly used to describe anything that develops gradually into a different or more advanced form, such as a business, a technology, or an idea evolving over time. This is a figurative extension of its original biological meaning.
What does it mean when a chemical reaction evolves a gas?
In chemistry, to evolve means to give off a gas as a product of a chemical reaction. For example, a reaction that produces bubbling gas is described as evolving that gas.
