# evolutionary

/ˌɛvəˈɫuʃəˌnɛɹi/ (US) · /ɪvəlˈuːʃənəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/evolutionary
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. biological evolution

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

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

- Scientists study the evolutionary history of birds to see how they are related to dinosaurs.
- The discovery of the fossil provided critical evidence regarding the evolutionary transition from aquatic to terrestrial life forms.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun.

### 2. gradual development

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

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

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

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

## Examples

- The bird's long beak is an evolutionary advantage.
- Scientists study the evolutionary history of whales to understand how they moved from land to the ocean.
- The rapid digitisation of the economy represents an evolutionary shift in how markets function, rather than a total replacement of traditional commerce.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.