devolution

/,di:və'lu:ʃn/

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Word: Devolution

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Devolution is when power or authority is transferred from a central government to regional or local governments. It can also mean a decline from a higher to a lower level in terms of authority, effectiveness, or quality.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "devolution" when discussing political systems or changes in governance.
• It can also be used in contexts where something is declining or becoming less effective.

Example Sentences:

1. "The country experienced devolution when the central government allowed local authorities to make more decisions."
2. "The devolution of the company’s management led to confusion and a lack of direction."

Advanced Usage:

In political discussions, "devolution" often refers to specific processes where regions gain more power, such as Scotland or Wales in the United Kingdom. It can be a significant topic in debates about national unity and local governance.

Word Variants:

• Devolve (verb): To transfer power or responsibility.
  • Example: "The committee decided to devolve responsibilities to the local branches."
• Devolved (adjective): Describing something that has been transferred or delegated.
  • Example: "The devolved government now handles many local issues."

Different Meaning:

In a broader context, "devolution" can also refer to a decline in quality or effectiveness, not just in government. - Example: "The devolution of the service quality was evident after the budget cuts."

Synonyms:

• Delegation
• Transfer
• Decentralization
• Disempowerment (when referring to a decline in power)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "devolution," you may encounter phrases like "give power back" or "pass the buck," which imply transferring responsibility, though they are not exact synonyms.

Summary:

Devolution is primarily used in political contexts to describe the transfer of authority from a central entity to smaller, local units. It can also signify a general decline in quality or effectiveness.

Academic

Noun

1. the delegation of authority (especially from a central to a regional government)
2. the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power or vitality or essential quality

Synonyms

• devolvement
• degeneration