Devolve

Pronunciation: /dɪˈvɒlv/

Definitions of devolve

verb to transfer or delegate (power, responsibility, etc.) to a lower level, especially from central government to local or regional administration

Example Sentences

A1 The responsibility devolved onto the team leader.

A2 As time passed, the situation devolved into chaos.

B1 The company decided to devolve some decision-making power to its regional offices.

B2 The government's attempt to devolve more authority to local councils was met with mixed reactions.

C1 The negotiations devolved into a heated argument, making it difficult to reach a compromise.

C2 The conflict between the two countries devolved into a full-scale war, causing widespread devastation.

Examples of devolve in a Sentence

formal The decision to devolve power to local governments was met with mixed reactions.

informal The responsibility for organizing the event will devolve onto me if no one else steps up.

slang I'm not sure how this situation devolved into such a mess.

figurative As the argument escalated, it seemed to devolve into a shouting match.

Grammatical Forms of devolve

• past tense: devolved
• plural: devolves
• comparative: more devolved
• superlative: most devolved
• present tense: devolve
• future tense: will devolve
• perfect tense: has devolved
• continuous tense: is devolving
• singular: devolve
• positive degree: devolve
• infinitive: to devolve
• gerund: devolving
• participle: devolved

Origin and Evolution of devolve

First Known Use: 0015 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'devolve' originated from the Latin word 'devolvere', which means 'to roll down'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the 15th century with the meaning 'to roll down', the word 'devolve' has evolved to also mean 'to pass on or delegate to another, typically of a lower level'.