devolve

IPA/dɪˈvɒlv/
KK[dɪvˈɑlv]IPA/dɪˈvɑːlv/

devolve — verb

  • devolvepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • devolves3rd person singular
  • devolving-ing form
  • devolvedpast simple

1. to formally give a duty, right, or area of control to a person or organisation a

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to formally give a duty, right, or area of control to a person or organisation at a lower level, especially in government or a large company

例句

The central government decided to devolve more authority to local councils.

devolve + authority + to [institution]

Ari's manager devolved the hiring decisions to the team leaders.

同義詞
  • delegate

    less formal; often for temporary assignment of a task within a team

  • transfer

    more neutral; can apply to any kind of shift, not just power

  • entrust

    adds a sense of personal trust in the receiver

  • hand over

    informal; suggests a direct, often physical transfer

反義詞
  • centralise

    to bring power back to a central authority

  • retain

    to keep control rather than pass it on

文法句型

devolve [power/responsibility/authority] to [person/organisation]

devolve to [person/organisation]

用法筆記

Frequently used in political and organisational contexts. The intransitive pattern (power devolves to someone) is more common in British English than American English.

常見錯誤

❌The manager devolved the task to me.
✅The manager delegated the task to me.
💡'Devolve' is for formal, structural transfers of power or responsibility, not everyday tasks.

2. to gradually turn into a much worse or less acceptable state, especially by losi

2.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to gradually turn into a much worse or less acceptable state, especially by losing order, quality, or moral standards

例句

What began as a calm discussion devolved into a heated argument.

devolve into [worse state]

The festival, once a joyful community event, devolved into a chaotic mess.

同義詞
  • degenerate

    similar in meaning; more common in moral or biological contexts

  • deteriorate

    broader; covers physical, mental, or situational decline

  • decline

    less extreme; suggests a gradual loss of quality

反義詞
  • improve

    to change in a positive direction

  • evolve

    to develop gradually toward a better or more complex form

文法句型

devolve into [a worse state]

用法筆記

Almost always used with 'into' to specify the worse state. Strongly negative in connotation. Not used for physical decay of objects in everyday language (use 'deteriorate' or 'decay' instead).

常見錯誤

❌The milk devolved in the fridge.
✅The milk went bad in the fridge.
💡'Devolve' is not used for everyday physical spoilage; it describes a complex situation or relationship turning worse.