B2verb 5K

Evolve

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɪˈvɒlv/","/ɪˈvɒlvz/","/ɪˈvɒlvd/","/ɪˈvɒlvɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɪˈvɑːlv/","/ɪˈvɑːlvz/","/ɪˈvɑːlvd/","/ɪˈvɑːlvɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Evolve

to develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complicated form; to develop something in this way

In simple words: to change slowly over time

Evolve in a sentence

• Over time, species must evolve to adapt to their changing environments.
• The technology will continue to evolve as new innovations emerge.
• Our understanding of the universe evolves with each new discovery in science.
• Humans can evolve both physically and mentally through their experiences.
• The story will evolve as the characters develop over the series.

How to use Evolve

Used in both scientific and everyday contexts. Appropriate when discussing changes in people, ideas, or species. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler words like 'change' might suffice.

Grammar pattern

evolve + object

Memory hint

Think of 'evolve' as 'evolving over time' — like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.

Related words

Collocations with Evolve

• gradually
• slowly
• quickly
• continue to
• tend to
• according to
• from
• into
• fully evolved
• highly evolved
• gradually
• slowly
• quickly
• continue to
• tend to
• according to
• from
• into
• fully evolved
• highly evolved

Synonyms for Evolve

• develop
• progress
• advance
• transform
• mature

Opposites of Evolve

• stagnate
• remain
• regress

Common mistakes with Evolve

• Confused with 'revolve', which means to move in a circle.
• Used in the wrong tense; 'evolves' instead of 'evolved'.
• Misuse with inanimate objects that do not change.

Frequently asked questions about Evolve

What does Evolve mean?

to change slowly over time

What is the definition of Evolve?

to develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complicated form; to develop something in this way

How do you use Evolve in a sentence?

Over time, species must evolve to adapt to their changing environments.

Can you give another example of Evolve?

The technology will continue to evolve as new innovations emerge.

What are synonyms for Evolve?

Common alternatives include develop, progress, advance, transform, mature.

What is the opposite of Evolve?

Opposite meanings include stagnate, remain, regress.

What words go with Evolve?

It commonly pairs with gradually, slowly, quickly, continue to, tend to, according to, from, into, fully evolved, highly evolved, gradually, slowly, quickly, continue to, tend to, according to, from, into, fully evolved, highly evolved.

What are common mistakes when using Evolve?

Confused with 'revolve', which means to move in a circle. Used in the wrong tense; 'evolves' instead of 'evolved'. Misuse with inanimate objects that do not change.

How do you pronounce Evolve?

US: /["/ɪˈvɑːlv/","/ɪˈvɑːlvz/","/ɪˈvɑːlvd/","/ɪˈvɑːlvɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ɪˈvɒlv/","/ɪˈvɒlvz/","/ɪˈvɒlvd/","/ɪˈvɒlvɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Evolve?

Used in both scientific and everyday contexts. Appropriate when discussing changes in people, ideas, or species. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler words like 'change' might suffice.

What CEFR level is Evolve?

"Evolve" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.