devolve: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, political, legal
Quick answer
What does “devolve” mean?
to transfer or delegate (power, responsibility, or duties) from a central authority to a lower or local level.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to transfer or delegate (power, responsibility, or duties) from a central authority to a lower or local level
to degenerate or deteriorate gradually; to pass by inheritance or succession
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in UK political discourse regarding devolution to Scotland/Wales. In US, more often used in legal/business contexts.
Connotations
UK: Strong political association with constitutional reform. US: More neutral administrative/legal term.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to devolution debates.
Grammar
How to Use “devolve” in a Sentence
devolve something to/upon somebodydevolve to/upon somebodydevolve into somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “devolve” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Power will devolve to the Scottish Parliament.
- The meeting devolved into a shouting match.
- Responsibility devolved upon the junior minister.
American English
- Management decided to devolve decision-making to branch offices.
- The protest devolved into violence.
- The estate will devolve to the eldest son.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The board decided to devolve budget control to regional managers.
Academic
The study examines how administrative functions devolve in federal systems.
Everyday
When my manager left, her duties devolved to me temporarily.
Technical
Under the treaty, sovereignty would devolve to the local assembly.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “devolve”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “devolve”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “devolve”
- Using 'devolve' to mean 'evolve'
- Confusing 'devolve to' with 'devolve into'
- Using in informal contexts where 'pass on' would be more natural
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's neutral. In political contexts it's positive (empowerment), while 'devolve into' suggests deterioration.
'Delegate' is more general and personal; 'devolve' implies systemic/legal transfer of authority, often permanent.
Rarely - it's quite formal. In casual speech, 'pass on' or 'hand over' are more common.
Yes - 'devolution' (the process) and 'devolvement' (less common).
to transfer or delegate (power, responsibility, or duties) from a central authority to a lower or local level.
Devolve is usually formal, academic, political, legal in register.
Devolve: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈvɒlv/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈvɑːlv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “devolve into chaos”
- “devolve into farce”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DE-VOLVE: Imagine a VOLVO car where the driver (central power) gives the VOLume (control) to passengers (local levels).
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS A BURDEN THAT CAN BE PASSED DOWNWARD
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'devolve' correctly?