evolve
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to change or develop slowly over time into something better or more advanced.
to undergo a gradual process of change and development, typically from a simple to a more complex or effective state.
Simple“The small family business evolved into a global company over thirty years.”
In context“The software has evolved from a simple text editor into a comprehensive suite of creative tools used by professionals worldwide.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'from' or 'into'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
when a type of plant or animal changes over many generations to fit its environment.
to undergo genetic change over successive generations through natural selection or other evolutionary mechanisms.
Simple“Scientists believe that birds evolved from small feathered dinosaurs.”
In context“Certain species of desert plants have evolved thick, waxy skins to prevent water loss in extreme heat.”
UsageCan be used transitively (to evolve a trait) or intransitively (the species evolved).
Synonymsmutateadapt - 03 C2 Proficiency
to give off a gas or heat during a chemical reaction.
to emit or give off a gaseous substance as a byproduct of a chemical process.
Simple“The mixture began to evolve bubbles of carbon dioxide as it heated up.”
In context“The reaction was monitored closely to measure the rate at which the compound evolved hydrogen gas under high pressure.”
UsageUsually transitive, taking the gas as a direct object.
Usage evolving very rapidly
“Both types of objects have long been sought because they can provide important clues about how stars form and evolve.”
“Over time, American colonists’ attitudes toward the Hessians began to evolve.”
Borrowed from Latin ēvolvō (“unroll, unfold”), from ē- (“out of”) (short form of ex) + volvō (“roll”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.