Meaning & use

evolve

verb·Academic

To develop gradually over time, especially through a natural process of change.

See it in a sentence

The company's product evolved from a simple app into a full software platform.

Species evolve over many generations as they adapt to their environment.

A note on using this word

In biology 'evolve' has a precise sense tied to genetic change across generations; in everyday use it simply means gradual change or growth.

Words with a similar meaning

developprogress

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

stagnate

Make it your own

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