evolve

verb \ i-ˈvälv , -ˈvȯlv , ē- also -ˈväv or -ˈvȯv \

Updated on: 14 May 2018

Definition of evolve

evolved; evolving

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

—

evolvable

play \i-ˈväl-və-bəl, -ˈvȯl-, ē- also -ˈvä-və- or -ˈvȯ-və-\ adjective

—

evolvement

play \i-ˈvälv-mənt, -ˈvȯlv-, ē- also -ˈväv- or -ˈvȯv-\ noun

See evolve defined for English-language learners

See evolve defined for kids

Examples of evolve in a Sentence

Her company has evolved from a hobby into a thriving business.
Some flowers have evolved remarkable means of insect pollination.

Recent Examples of evolve from the Web

To help make sense of the evolving landscape, here's a roundup of local companies — some new and some veteran — that should be on your dance card.

— laura bleiberg, latimes.com, "The guide to dance in L.A.: 12 standout companies to know and how to see them," 10 May 2018
The concept of the smart city is an evolving one, but generally involves the integration of digital technology with city functions and urban life.

— rick romell, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Foxconn will sponsor 'smart cities' competition with Wisconsin universities," 9 May 2018
There is hope that Choose Well will facilitate an evolving dialogue by educating consumers about these critical issues.

— cindy hasz, sandiegouniontribune.com, "The key thing to know about assisted living," 9 May 2018
Here is how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the diagnostic manual used in the United States, has reflected our evolving understanding of autism.

— lina zeldovich, Science | AAAS, "Cold parenting? Childhood schizophrenia? How the diagnosis of autism has evolved over time," 9 May 2018
Its provenance is murky, obfuscated by a private agreement, pseudonyms and evolving explanations.

— william k. rashbaum, danny hakim, brian m. rosenthal, emily flitter and jesse drucker, New York Times, "How Michael Cohen, Trump’s Fixer, Built a Shadowy Business Empire," 5 May 2018
These modern dwellings have characteristics that are still coveted: An open floor plan, floor-to-ceiling windows and spaces that adapt to evolving lifestyles.

— janet eastman, OregonLive.com, "Northwest midcentury modern sells fast and above asking price (photos)," 4 May 2018
The Chinese car universe is not governed by the whims of buyers, the way Americans’ evolving tastes have pushed car companies to leap into increasingly bulbous crossovers.

— bradley berman, Popular Mechanics, "China Is the Automotive Alternate Universe," 4 May 2018
The evolving project fits into broader efforts in Southcentral Alaska to tackle homelessness by classifying the homeless into different groups based on their apparent vulnerability.

— devin kelly, Anchorage Daily News, "Anchorage’s hardest-to-house homeless cost $50,000 a year on the street. Could that money be better spent?," 2 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'evolve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of evolve

Latin evolvere to unroll, from e- + volvere to roll — more at voluble

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1772

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

evolve Synonyms

Synonyms

cast, discharge, emanate, emit, exhale, expel, give out, irradiate, issue, radiate, release, send (out), shoot, throw out, vent;

Near Antonyms

absorb, inhale, soak (up), sponge, suck (up), take up;

eject, erupt, gush, jet, outpour, pour, spew, spout, spray, spurt, squirt;

EVOLVE Defined for English Language Learners

evolve

verb

Definition of evolve for English Language Learners

: to change or develop slowly often into a better, more complex, or more advanced state : to develop by a process of evolution

EVOLVE Defined for Kids

evolve

verb \ i-ˈvälv \

Definition of evolve for Students

evolved; evolving

: 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.