Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense devolves, present participle devolving, past tense, past participle devolved
verb
If you devolve power, authority, or responsibility to a less powerful person or group, or if it devolvesupon them, it is transferred to them.
...the need to decentralize and devolve power to regional governments. [VERB noun + to]
We have made a conscious effort to devolve responsibility. [VERB noun]
A large portion of this cost devolves upon the patient. [V + upon/on]
Synonyms: transfer, surrender, pass on, transmit More Synonyms of devolve
More Synonyms of devolve
devolve in British English
(dɪˈvɒlv)
verb
1. (foll byon, upon, to, etc)
to pass or cause to pass to a successor or substitute, as duties, power, etc
2. (intr; foll by on or upon) law
(of an estate, etc) to pass to another by operation of law, esp on intestacy or bankruptcy
3. (intr; foll by on or upon)
to depend (on)
your argument devolves on how you interpret this clause
4. archaic
to roll down or cause to roll down
Derived forms
devolvement (deˈvolvement)
noun
Word origin
C15: from Latin dēvolvere to roll down, fall into, from de- + volvere to roll
devolve in American English
(dɪˈvɑlv; dɪˈvɔlv)
verb transitiveWord forms: deˈvolved or deˈvolving
1.
to transfer or pass on (duties, responsibilities, etc.) to another or others
verb intransitive
2.
to pass or be transferred to another or others
3.
to change gradually for the worse; decline; deteriorate
Derived forms
devolvement (deˈvolvement)
noun
Word origin
ME devolven < L devolvere, to roll down < de-, down + volvere, to roll: see walk
Examples of 'devolve' in a sentence
devolve
Calls for alternative settlements for the devolved administrations are on the agenda for the meeting.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
It followed a round of talks between the PM and heads of devolved administrations.
The Sun (2017)
It would be for the devolved administrations to decide whether to match the guarantee.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
There are uncertainties about staying in the union (how many more powers will be devolved?
Christianity Today (2000)
He called for Labour to devolve power to local people.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
They backed government plans to devolve Sunday trading laws to local councils.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
But when you devolve responsibility to regions you can't then try and control them.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Westminster could change the position but this might be against the will of the devolved administrations, he said.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
That devolved responsibility includes pricing.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He said leadership had become a huge preoccupation because organisations had changed over the past few decades, with power and responsibility being devolved down the organisational chain.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Today, technology, ownership and choice all point in the direction of more devolved power and a smaller role for government.
Redwood, John The Global Marketplace (1993)
He has identified ways to cut its 600m supply chain spending by 12% and devolved more responsibility to regional management teams.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Such a coalition or pact will no doubt be based upon a public agreement, as has been the case with devolved administrations in Scotland.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In other languages
devolve
British English: devolve VERB
If you devolve power, authority, or responsibility to a less powerful person or group, or if it devolves upon them, it is transferred to them.
...the need to decentralize and devolve power to regional governments.
American English: devolve
Brazilian Portuguese: devolver
Chinese: 下放权力、责任
European Spanish: transferir
French: décentraliser
German: übertragen
Italian: decentrare
Japanese: 権限委譲する
Korean: 권한 및 책임 등을 이양하다
European Portuguese: devolver
Latin American Spanish: transferir
1 (verb)
Definition
to pass or cause to pass to a successor or substitute, as duties or power
the need to decentralize and devolve power to regional governments
Synonyms
transfer
Certain kinds of property are transferred automatically.
surrender
She had to surrender all rights to her property.
pass on
transmit
mosquitoes that transmit disease to humans
relinquish
He does not intend to relinquish power.
hand down
entrust
consign
He had managed to obtain arms in France and have them safely consigned to America.
make over
cede
The General had promised to cede power by January.
pass down
sign over
depute
2 (verb)
Synonyms
be handed down (law)
convey
Conveying a property from one owner to another calls for meticulous attention to detail.
alienate
phrasal verb
See devolve on someone
Additional synonyms
in the sense of alienate
Definition
to transfer the ownership of property to another person
Synonyms
transfer,
convey,
abalienate
in the sense of cede
Definition
to transfer or surrender (territory or legal rights)
The General had promised to cede power by January.
Synonyms
surrender,
grant,
transfer,
abandon,
yield,
concede,
hand over,
relinquish,
renounce,
make over,
abdicate
in the sense of consign
Definition
to address or deliver (goods)
He had managed to obtain arms in France and have them safely consigned to America.