ENGLISH
REFERENCE

evolutionary

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˌɛvəˈɫuʃəˌnɛɹi// UK //ɪvəlˈuːʃənəɹi// evo·lu·tion·ary

adj. relating to the slow, natural process of change in living things over a very long time. It can also describe the gradual development of an idea or a system.

adj. relating to the process of gradual development and change over generations, particularly regarding biological species or complex systems. Often used to contrast with revolutionary or sudden changes.


SIMPLE

The bird's long beak is an evolutionary advantage.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists study the evolutionary history of whales to understand how they moved from land to the ocean.

COMPLEX

The rapid digitisation of the economy represents an evolutionary shift in how markets function, rather than a total replacement of traditional commerce.

Origin

From evolution + -ary.

Usage

Typically precedes the noun it modifies; frequently collocates with 'process', 'advantage', or 'history'.

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