View synonyms for devolve

devolve

[ dih-volv ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

, de·volved, de·volv·ing.

to transfer or delegate (a duty, responsibility, etc.) to or upon another; pass on.
Obsolete. to cause to roll downward.

verb (used without object)

, de·volved, de·volv·ing.

to be transferred or passed on from one to another:
The responsibility devolved on me.
Archaic. to roll or flow downward.

devolve

/ dɪˈvɒlv /

verb

foll byon, upon, to, etc to pass or cause to pass to a successor or substitute, as duties, power, etc
intr; foll by on or upon law (of an estate, etc) to pass to another by operation of law, esp on intestacy or bankruptcy
intr; foll by on or upon to depend (on)
your argument devolves on how you interpret this clause
archaic.
to roll down or cause to roll down

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Derived Forms

deˈvolvement, noun

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Other Words From

de·volvement noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of devolve¹

1375–1425; late Middle English devolven < Latin dēvolvere to roll down, equivalent to dē- de- + volvere to roll

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Word History and Origins

Origin of devolve¹

C15: from Latin dēvolvere to roll down, fall into, from de- + volvere to roll

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Example Sentences

Everyone knew that that reality could easily, indeed would likely, devolve into the sectarian disaster we see now.

From The Daily Beast

Forced C-section debates often skirt or even devolve into a proxy pro-choice/pro-life debate, explains Diaz-Tello.

From The Daily Beast

This will, inevitably, devolve into the comedian freaking out and crying on the floor.

From The Daily Beast

Politics has a tendency to devolve into juvenile playground taunts and smears.

From The Daily Beast

Have you ever seen a character devolve into a completely different person?

From The Daily Beast

We shall propose that the duty of collecting the returns shall devolve on the excise.

From Project Gutenberg

There is duty incumbent on us which we cannot devolve on others.

From Project Gutenberg

He pretended by his sole act and deed, to devolve upon these the whole authority of the state.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides Rhoda, Master Gammon was being waited for; on whom would devolve the driving of the cart back from the station.

From Project Gutenberg

She never could devolve upon that if love failed her; art could only be a part of her love henceforward.

From Project Gutenberg

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devolution Devon

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