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Synonyms & Similar Words
Meaning of Devolve
The primary meaning of the word "devolve" is to transfer or delegate power, authority, or responsibility to a lower level, or to deteriorate or decline into a lower or less desirable state.
Definitions
- To transfer or delegate power, authority, or responsibility to a lower level, such as from a central government to regional or local authorities
- To deteriorate or decline into a lower or less desirable state, such as from a more advanced or sophisticated state to a less advanced or more primitive one
- To pass or transfer something, such as a property or a right, to another person or entity, especially by inheritance or succession
Etymology of Devolve
The word "devolve" comes from the Latin words "de" meaning "from" or "away from" and "volvere" meaning "to roll", and has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the transfer of power, authority, or responsibility from one person or entity to another
Historically, the word "devolve" was used to describe the transfer of property or rights from one person to another, especially by inheritance or succession
Over time, the word "devolve" has also been used to describe the deterioration or decline of something, such as a system, a process, or a state of affairs
Example Uses
- The company's leadership will devolve to the vice president after the CEO retires
- The country's economy has begun to devolve into chaos due to poor management and corruption
- The power to make decisions will devolve to the local authorities after the new policy is implemented