English vocabulary · C1
Devolve
/dɪˈvɑːlv/ · v.
To devolve into something is to change into a worse state. What began well turns bad, like a friendly talk becoming a fight.
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Example sentences
- The game devolved into a fight.
- Our meal may devolve into shouting.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- de — down (from Latin)
- volv — roll (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- DEGENERATE — lose good qualities (Become worse)
- DETERIORATE — get worse over time (Lose quality)
- DECLINE — become less good (Go down)
Words with the same root
volv — roll
- involve — include as part
- evolve — change and develop
- revolve — move around a center
Lesson notes
To devolve into something is to change into a worse state. What began well turns bad, like a friendly talk becoming a fight.
Related: degenerate, deteriorate, decline. Use devolve when things turn worse.
The game devolved into a fight. Our meal may devolve into shouting.
From Latin. de- means down. volv- means roll. Roll down from calm to a fight, and things devolve.