What does "evolutionary" mean?

1. (biological evolution) relating to the way living things change and develop over millions of years. 2. (gradual development) relating to a slow and steady change in an idea, a business, or a system.

How do you use "evolutionary"?

Usually placed before the noun. Often contrasted with 'revolutionary'.

evolutionary

adj.

US //ˌɛvəˈɫuʃəˌnɛɹi// UK //ɪvəlˈuːʃənəɹi// evo·lu·tion·ary

1 biological evolution (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Science

relating to the way living things change and develop over millions of years.

relating to the biological theory of evolution and the genetic changes in populations over generations.

Example

Scientists study the evolutionary history of birds to see how they are related to dinosaurs.

Example

The discovery of the fossil provided critical evidence regarding the evolutionary transition from aquatic to terrestrial life forms.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun.
- biological
- genetic
2 gradual development (adj.)
C1 Advanced Academic Formal

relating to a slow and steady change in an idea, a business, or a system.

characterised by or relating to a process of gradual, incremental development rather than sudden or revolutionary change.

Example

The company's success was due to evolutionary changes in its technology over ten years.

Example

The senator argued for an evolutionary approach to policy reform, preferring steady adjustments over a radical overhaul of the existing system.

Usage

Often contrasted with 'revolutionary'.
- revolutionary
- sudden

Origin

From evolution + -ary.