English Reference
verb · adjective

evolved

v. · adj.
US /iˈvɑɫvd/ UK /ɪvˈɒlvd/ evolved

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    v.changed slowly over a long period to become better or more complex.

    v.developed gradually by a process of natural or logical progression. This past tense form often takes the preposition 'from'.

    Simple

    The small family business evolved into a global company over thirty years.

    In context

    The species evolved from a common ancestor that lived in the tropical rainforests millions of years ago.

    stagnated
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.having reached a high level of development or thinking.

    adj.having reached a sophisticated or highly developed state through iterative change.

    Simple

    They have a very evolved way of solving problems without arguing.

    In context

    The software features an evolved user interface that anticipates the needs of professional designers.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced InformalHumorous

    adj.having special or better physical abilities than others.

    adj.possessing superior biological or physical traits, often used in a lighthearted or speculative context.

    Simple

    He is so fast on the pitch that he seems more evolved than the rest of us.

    In context

    In many science fiction stories, the characters encounter evolved humans who possess telepathic abilities.

Usage evolved later

Over time, some species have evolved to take advantage of these seasonal cycles.

Phys.org· 14 Aug 2026

With most such records, we can track how past climates evolved decade by decade.

Ars Technica· 9 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated