devolves; devolved; devolving
formal
1
chiefly US
: to gradually go from an advanced state to a less advanced state
She cynically asserts that our species is devolving.
Somehow the debate devolved into a petty competition to see who could get more applause.
2
: to pass (responsibility, power, etc.) from one person or group to another person or group at a lower level of authority
—+ to, on, or upon
Community leaders hope that the new government will devolve more power to/on/upon the community itself.
Responsibility has devolved to/upon the individual teachers.
3
: to be given to someone after the owner has died
—+ to, on, or upon
Upon his death, the estate devolved to/on/upon a distant cousin. [=a distant cousin inherited the estate]
Cite this Entry
“Devolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/devolve. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
