First Known Use: 1775
Dictionary
evolve
verb \i-ˈvälv, -ˈvȯlv, ē- also -ˈväv or -ˈvȯv\
: to change or develop slowly often into a better, more complex, or more advanced state : to develop by a process of evolution
evolvedevolv·ing
Full 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
See evolve defined for English-language learners
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Origin of EVOLVE
Latin evolvere to unroll, from e- + volvere to roll — more at voluble
EVOLVEMENT Defined for Kids
evolve
verb \i-ˈvälv\
evolvedevolv·ing
Definition of EVOLVE for Kids
: to change or develop gradually
Word Root of EVOLVE
The Latin word volvere, meaning “to roll” or “to turn around,” gives us the root volv. Words from the Latin volvere have something to do with turning. To revolve is to turn in circles or travel on a circular path. To evolve, or grow or develop out of something else, is to unroll from a source. To involve, or include, is to roll someone into a situation.
Medical Dictionary
evolve
verb \i-ˈvälv, -ˈvȯlv\
evolvedevolv·ing
Medical Definition of EVOLVE
transitive verb
: to produce by natural evolutionary processes
intransitive verb
: to develop by or as if by evolution : undergo evolutionary change <an evolving theory of mental functioning—S. A. Green>
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