Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):

   • To develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form. This process often happens over a long period.
   • In biology, to undergo evolutionary change, where the genetic makeup of a population changes over generations.

2. Verb (transitive):

   • To produce or work out something gradually, such as a theory, plan, or system.

Examples of Usage

• Intransitive verb:

  • The company's strategy continues to evolve to meet market demands.
  • Over millions of years, these simple organisms evolved into complex life forms.

• Transitive verb:

  • The scientist evolved a new hypothesis from the experimental data.
  • Together, the team evolved a detailed plan for the project.

Advanced Usage

• "to evolve from something": to develop or originate from a simpler or earlier state.

  • Birds are believed to have evolved from dinosaurs.

• "to evolve into something": to gradually change and become something different or more advanced.

  • Their casual friendship evolved into a deep romance.

• "evolving situation": a situation that is changing and developing, often in an unpredictable way.

  • The news report provided updates on the evolving crisis.

Variants and Related Words

• Evolution (n): The process of evolving or developing; the theory in biology explaining the development of species.

  • The book discusses the evolution of human language.

• Evolutionary (adj): Relating to or involving the process of evolution.

  • This is an evolutionary adaptation for survival.

Synonyms

• Develop: To grow or cause to grow and become more mature, advanced, or elaborate.
• Unfold: To develop or be revealed gradually.
• Progress: To move forward or develop toward a more advanced state.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Evolve out of: To develop or result from something.
  • This new policy evolved out of years of discussion and research.

Related Idioms

• Evolve over time: To change or develop gradually across a long period.
  • Social customs evolve over time.

Verb

1. gain through experience
   • I acquired a strong aversion to television
   • Children must develop a sense of right and wrong
   • Dave developed leadership qualities in his new position
   • develop a passion for painting
2. undergo development or evolution
   • Modern man evolved a long time ago
3. work out
   • We have developed a new theory of evolution