- 1[intransitive, transitive] to develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complicated form; to develop something in this way evolve (from something) (into something) The idea evolved from a drawing I discovered in the attic. The company has evolved into a major chemical manufacturer. evolve something (from something) Each school must evolve its own way of working.
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- 2[intransitive, transitive] (biology) (of plants, animals, etc.) to develop over time, often many generations, into forms that are better adapted to survive changes in their environment evolve (from something) The three species evolved from a single ancestor. evolve something The dolphin has evolved a highly developed jaw.
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NAmE//ɪˈvɑlv//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they evolve he / she / it evolves
past simple evolved
-ing form evolving
Check pronunciation: evolve