evolve
v.v. to change and develop slowly over a long period of time. You use this to describe how animals, plants, or even ideas become better or more complex.
v. to undergo gradual development or transformation from a simple to a more complex form. In biological contexts, it refers specifically to the process of natural selection acting on heritable traits over generations.
The small family business evolved into a global company.
Scientists study how certain bird species evolved different beak shapes to survive in their specific environments.
The legal framework has evolved significantly over the last century, moving away from rigid traditionalism toward a more flexible interpretation of individual rights.
Borrowed from Latin ēvolvō (“unroll, unfold”), from ē- (“out of”) (short form of ex) + volvō (“roll”).
The verb can be used both transitively and intransitively. When used intransitively, it often takes the preposition 'from' or 'into'.