What does "devolve" mean?
To be inherited by someone else; to pass down upon the next person in a succession, especially through failure or loss of an earlier holder.
Devolve
/dɪˈvɑlv/ verb
verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To be inherited by someone else; to pass down upon the next person in a succession, especially through failure or loss of an earlier holder.
- Grammar: devolve is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: degenerate, deteriorate, accredit, allocate.
- Useful contrasts: evolve most gradually, advance, ameliorate.
- Usage evidence: Conversations about race tend to devolve into a shouting match.
How to use "devolve"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "devolve" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "devolve" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "devolve" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "devolve" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "devolve" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "degenerate" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "devolve", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To be inherited by someone else; to pass down upon the next person in a succession, especially through failure or loss of an earlier holder. intransitive
"an accident […] rendered him permanently lame, and therefore unfitted him, in the opinion of his parents, to inherit his father's many titles, which, it was then arranged, should devolve upon his younger brother."
- 2 grow progressively worse wordnet
- 3 To delegate (a responsibility, duty, etc.) on or upon someone. transitive
"Near-synonyms: pass down, pass on, hand down"
- 4 be inherited by wordnet
- 5 To delegate (a responsibility, duty, etc.) on or upon someone.; To transfer authority and responsibility for (something) to (another entity). especially, transitive, usually
"Despite being a unitary state, the Government of the United Kingdom devolved many matters to the Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland."
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 pass on or delegate to another wordnet
- 7 To fall as a duty or responsibility on or upon someone. intransitive
"For the nonce he was rather nonplussed but inasmuch as the duty plainly devolved upon him to take some measures on the subject he pondered suitable ways and means during which Stephen repeatedly yawned."
- 8 To fall as a duty or responsibility on or upon someone.; To shift or to be transferred from a central government to a local one, a federal one to a federated one, etc. especially, intransitive
"Many legislative powers devolved to the new Scottish parliament in 1999."
- 9 To degenerate; to break down. intransitive
"A discussion about politics may devolve into a shouting match."
- 10 To roll (something) down; to unroll. obsolete, transitive
"Near-synonyms: unwind, unfurl"
Antonyms
Example
"Conversations about race tend to devolve into a shouting match."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "devolve"?
Common synonyms include: degenerate, deteriorate, accredit, allocate, assign, authorize.
How do you use "devolve" in a sentence?
Conversations about race tend to devolve into a shouting match.
How do you pronounce "devolve"?
Pronounced /dɪˈvɑlv/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin dēvolvō (“roll or tumble off or down”), from dē + volvō (“roll”).