B2noun2K

Evolution

UK /["/ˌiːvəˈluːʃn//ˌevəˈluːʃn/"]/US /["/ˌevəˈluːʃn/"]/

Definition

the slow steady development of plants, animals, etc. during the history of the earth, as they adapt to changes in their environment

In simple words: Change in living things over a long time.

Examples

  • The theory of evolution explains how species change over time through natural selection.
  • Scientists study the evolution of languages to understand how communication develops.
  • The evolution of technology has transformed the way we live and work.
  • The evolution of the internet changed information sharing worldwide.
  • His art shows the evolution of his style over the years.

Usage notes

Use 'evolution' when discussing how species change over time. It is often used in scientific contexts but can be used more generally in discussions about development.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'evolve' as 'e-volving'—a process that's always moving.

Collocations

  • gradual
  • slow
  • rapid
  • trace
  • drive
  • influence
  • happen
  • occur
  • proceed
  • evolution from… to…
  • evolution of
  • evolution towards/​toward
  • the theory of evolution
  • gradual
  • slow
  • rapid
  • trace
  • drive
  • influence
  • happen
  • occur
  • proceed
  • evolution from… to…
  • evolution of
  • evolution towards/​toward
  • the theory of evolution

Synonyms

  • development
  • growth
  • progress
  • adaptation
  • change

Antonyms

  • stagnation
  • regression

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'revolution', which means a complete change.
  • Used inappropriately in contexts that don’t involve gradual change.
  • Omitting the scientific context when discussing biological evolution.