Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Devolution

noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A rolling down.
  2. 2
    the delegation of authority (especially from a central to a regional government) wordnet
  3. 3
    A descent, especially one that passes through a series of revolutions, or by succession.
  4. 4
    the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power or vitality or essential quality wordnet
  5. 5
    The transference of a right to a successor, or of a power from one body to another.
Show 2 more definitions
  1. 6
    Degeneration. derogatory

    "It is quite disheartening to witness the devolution of our nation's political discourse over the past several years."

  2. 7
    The transfer of some powers and the delegation of some functions from a central government to local government (e.g. from the U.K. parliament to Scottish parliament and Welsh assembly).

    "The question of whether England should receive devolution like Scotland and Wales have has dogged British politics for years."

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French dévolution, from Medieval Latin devolutio, devolutionis, from Latin devolvo.

See also for "devolution"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: devolution