Devolve — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /di-ˈvälv/ de·volve

Meaning & Definition of Devolve

Devolve (verb)

  1. to pass on (something, such as responsibility, rights, or powers) from one person or entity to another
  2. to pass by transmission or succession
  3. to fall or be passed usually as a responsibility or obligation

Devolve (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to become worse or of less value

    "the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum"

    similar: atrophy, crumble, decay, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, ebb, regress, retrograde, rot, sink, worsen, go to pot, go to seed
    related: abate, de-escalate, diminish, downsize, dwindle, recede, wane, break down, corrupt, decompose, degrade, dilapidate, disintegrate, molder, putrefy, sour, spoil, lessen, lower, reduce, debilitate, undermine, droop, fail, fall, flag, lag, languish, run down, sag, slip, waste (away), weaken, wilt
    opposite: ameliorate, improve, meliorate
    near: better, upgrade, enhance, enrich, fortify, heighten, intensify, strengthen, advance, develop, march, proceed, progress

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Devolve

The most common words with a similar meaning to Devolve:

atrophy, crumble, decay, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, ebb, regress, retrograde, rot, sink, worsen, go to pot, go to seed

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Devolve

Words with the opposite meaning of Devolve:

ameliorate, improve, meliorate

Related Words for Devolve

abate, de-escalate, diminish, downsize, dwindle, recede, wane, break down, corrupt, decompose, degrade, dilapidate, disintegrate, molder, putrefy, sour, spoil, lessen, lower, reduce, debilitate, undermine, droop, fail, fall, flag, lag, languish, run down, sag

Near Antonyms of Devolve

better, upgrade, enhance, enrich, fortify, heighten, intensify, strengthen, advance, develop, march, proceed, progress

Word Forms of Devolve

Inflections: devolved, devolving

Origin & Etymology of Devolve

Middle English devolven "to transfer, overthrow," borrowed from Latin dēvolvere "to roll (something) down, (in passive voice) sink or fall back, become subject (to), be passed down (to an heir)," from dē- de- + volvere "to set in a circular course, cause to roll" wallow:1

First known use: 15th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Devolve

Frequently Asked Questions about Devolve

What does "Devolve" mean?

"Devolve" means to pass on (something, such as responsibility, rights, or powers) from one person or entity to another. As a verb, it is defined as: to pass on (something, such as responsibility, rights, or powers) from one person or entity to another.

What is another word for "Devolve"?

Other words for "Devolve" include atrophy, crumble, decay, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate and ebb. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Devolve" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Devolve"?

There are 49 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Devolve". Common alternatives include atrophy, crumble, decay, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, ebb, regress and retrograde.

What is the opposite of "Devolve"?

Antonyms of "Devolve" include ameliorate, improve and meliorate. Near antonyms include better, upgrade, enhance and enrich.

How do you use "Devolve" in a sentence?

Examples of "Devolve" in a sentence: "the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum".

Is "Devolve" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Devolve" is a verb.

Is "Devolve" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Devolve" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Devolve"?

"Devolve" is pronounced /di-ˈvälv/ and divided into syllables as de·volve.