coevolve: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Academic, Scientific, Technical
Quick answer
What does “coevolve” mean?
To evolve together, where two or more species reciprocally affect each other's evolution through natural selection.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To evolve together, where two or more species reciprocally affect each other's evolution through natural selection.
To develop or change in a parallel or interdependent way over time, often used metaphorically for systems, technologies, ideas, or social practices that influence each other's development.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in evolutionary biology and related fields in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “coevolve” in a Sentence
[Species A] and [Species B] coevolve.[Subject] coevolves with [object].[Subject] and [object] have coevolved.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coevolve” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The acacia tree and its ant defenders have coevolved a remarkable mutualistic relationship.
- Some theorists suggest that human intelligence and language coevolved.
American English
- The predator and its prey coevolved in a constant arms race.
- In this model, institutional norms and individual behaviors coevolve.
adverb
British English
- N/A (The adverb 'coevolvedly' is virtually non-existent and not standard.)
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The coevolved traits of the orchid and the moth are a marvel of nature. (Note: 'coevolved' as participial adjective)
- They studied a coevolved system of plants and fungi.
American English
- Coevolved adaptations can be highly specific.
- The paper discusses coevolved signaling mechanisms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'Our software platform and user practices have coevolved.'
Academic
Common in biology, ecology, evolutionary psychology, and science & technology studies (STS).
Everyday
Very rare. Would be marked as a specialist term.
Technical
Standard term in evolutionary biology and related scientific fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coevolve”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coevolve”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coevolve”
- Using 'coevolve' for simple simultaneous change without reciprocal influence.
- Confusing it with 'coexist'.
- Misspelling as 'co-evolve' (though the hyphenated form is sometimes seen).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary and most precise use is in evolutionary biology, it is productively used in social sciences, technology studies, and general discourse to describe any two interdependent systems that change and adapt in response to each other over time.
'Coevolve' specifically involves a process of mutual evolutionary change. 'Coexist' simply means to exist at the same time and in the same place without necessarily influencing each other's development.
Yes, it can refer to the interdependent evolution of multiple species in an ecosystem, or several components of a complex system.
The solid form 'coevolve' is now standard in most scientific writing and dictionaries, though you may occasionally see the hyphenated form, especially in older texts.
To evolve together, where two or more species reciprocally affect each other's evolution through natural selection.
Coevolve is usually academic, scientific, technical in register.
Coevolve: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkəʊ.ɪˈvɒlv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkoʊ.ɪˈvɑːlv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In an evolutionary arms race (a specific context of coevolution)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CO-' (together) + 'EVOLVE' (change over time). Picture two animals, like a flower and a bee, changing shapes together over millions of years to fit each other perfectly.
Conceptual Metaphor
EVOLUTION IS A JOINT JOURNEY / ADAPTATION IS A DANCE (where partners move in response to each other).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'coevolve' used most precisely and frequently?