Evolution — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən/ evo·lu·tion

Meaning & Definition of Evolution

Evolution (noun)

  1. descent with modification from preexisting species, cumulative inherited change in a population of organisms through time leading to the appearance of new forms, the process by which new species or populations of living things develop from preexisting forms through successive generations; also, the scientific theory explaining the appearance of new species and varieties through the action of various biological mechanisms (such as natural selection, genetic mutation or drift, and hybridization)
  2. the historical development of a biological group (such as a species), phylogeny
  3. a process of change in a certain direction, unfolding

Evolution (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act or process of going from the simple or basic to the complex or advanced

    "the evolution of motion pictures from short, silent reels into a medium of mass entertainment and an art form"

    similar: development, elaboration, expansion, growth, progress, progression
    related: advancement, betterment, improvement, perfection, refinement, incubation, maturation, maturing, ripening, blossoming, flourishing, flowering, addition, augmentation, enhancement, supplementation, emergence, evolvement, metamorphosis
    opposite: regress, regression, retrogression, reversion
    near: backslide, lapse, relapse, decadence, decay, decaying, declension, declination, decline, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, descent, deterioration, devaluation, downfall, downgrade, ebbing, falling, weakening

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Evolution

The most common words with a similar meaning to Evolution:

development, elaboration, expansion, growth, progress, progression

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Evolution

Words with the opposite meaning of Evolution:

regress, regression, retrogression, reversion

Related Words for Evolution

advancement, betterment, improvement, perfection, refinement, incubation, maturation, maturing, ripening, blossoming, flourishing, flowering, addition, augmentation, enhancement, supplementation, emergence, evolvement, metamorphosis

Near Antonyms of Evolution

backslide, lapse, relapse, decadence, decay, decaying, declension, declination, decline, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, descent, deterioration, devaluation, downfall, downgrade, ebbing, falling, weakening

Word Forms of Evolution

Derived words: evolutionarily (adverb), evolutionary (adjective), evolutionism (noun), evolutionist (noun or adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Evolution

borrowed from New Latin ēvolūtiōn-, ēvolūtiō "unfolding of a curve (in geometry), emergence from an enclosing structure, historical development," going back to Medieval Latin, "unfolding of a tale, lapse of time," going back to Latin, "unrolling of a papyrus scroll while reading it," from ēvolū-, variant stem of ēvolvere "to roll out or away, unwind, unroll" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action evolve

First known use: 1616

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Evolution

Words & Phrases Containing Evolution

anti-evolution, convergent evolution, creative evolution, divergent evolution, emergent evolution, parallel evolution

Frequently Asked Questions about Evolution

What does "Evolution" mean?

"Evolution" means descent with modification from preexisting species, cumulative inherited change in a population of organisms through time leading to the appearance of new forms, the process by which new species or populations of living things develop from preexisting forms through successive generations; also, the scientific theory explaining the appearance of new species and varieties through the action of various biological mechanisms (such as natural selection, genetic mutation or drift, and hybridization). As a noun, it is defined as: descent with modification from preexisting species, cumulative inherited change in a population of organisms through time leading to the appearance of new forms, the process by which new species or populations of living things develop from preexisting forms through successive generations; also, the scientific theory explaining the appearance of new species and varieties through the action of various biological mechanisms (such as natural selection, genetic mutation or drift, and hybridization).

What is another word for "Evolution"?

Other words for "Evolution" include development, elaboration, expansion, growth, progress and progression. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Evolution" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Evolution"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Evolution". Common alternatives include development, elaboration, expansion, growth, progress and progression.

What is the opposite of "Evolution"?

Antonyms of "Evolution" include regress, regression, retrogression and reversion. Near antonyms include backslide, lapse, relapse and decadence.

How do you use "Evolution" in a sentence?

Examples of "Evolution" in a sentence: "the evolution of motion pictures from short, silent reels into a medium of mass entertainment and an art form".

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

"Evolution" is a noun.

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

As a B2-level word, "Evolution" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Evolution"?

"Evolution" is pronounced /ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən/ and divided into syllables as evo·lu·tion.