Pronunciations (3)
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/dɪˈvɒɫv/
Pronunciation notes
- UK
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/dɪˈvɑlv/
Pronunciation notes
- General-American
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dɪˈvɒɫv
Pronunciation notes
- GB
Verb
To be inherited by someone else; to pass down upon the next person in a succession, especially through failure or loss of an earlier holder.
Usage- Intransitive
- Synonyms
- Examples
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More examples (1)
an accident […] rendered him permanently lame, and therefore unfitted him, in the opinion of his parents, to inherit his father's many titles, which, it was then arranged, should devolve upon his younger brother.
To delegate (a responsibility, duty, etc.) on or upon someone.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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Near-synonyms: pass down, pass on, hand down
To delegate (a responsibility, duty, etc.) on or upon someone. To transfer authority and responsibility for (something) to (another entity).
Usage- especially
- Transitive
- usually
- of a central government to a local one
- Examples
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Despite being a unitary state, the Government of the United Kingdom devolved many matters to the Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
They devolved their whole authority into the hands of the council of sixty.
More examples (2)
An artful man became popular, the people had power in their hands, and they devolved a considerable share of their power upon their favourite […].
Shapps retains responsibility for rail safety in Scotland, with only the operation of track and train devolved to Transport Scotland.
To fall as a duty or responsibility on or upon someone.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
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More examples (1)
For the nonce he was rather nonplussed but inasmuch as the duty plainly devolved upon him to take some measures on the subject he pondered suitable ways and means during which Stephen repeatedly yawned.
To fall as a duty or responsibility on or upon someone. To shift or to be transferred from a central government to a local one, a federal one to a federated one, etc.
Usage- especially
- Intransitive
- of government authority
- Examples
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Many legislative powers devolved to the new Scottish parliament in 1999.
To degenerate; to break down.
Usage- Intransitive
- Synonyms
- Examples
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A discussion about politics may devolve into a shouting match.
To roll (something) down; to unroll.
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
- Examples
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Near-synonyms: unwind, unfurl
every headlong stream / Devolves its winding waters to the main.
More examples (1)
He spake of virtue […] And with […] a lack-lustre dead-blue eye, Devolved his rounded periods.
Verb
pass on or delegate to another
- Examples
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The representative devolved his duties to his aides while he was in the hospital
be inherited by
- Broader terms
- Examples
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The estate fell to my sister
The land returned to the family
More examples (1)
The estate devolved to an heir that everybody had assumed to be dead
grow progressively worse
- Synonyms
- Examples
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Her condition deteriorated
Conditions in the slums degenerated
More examples (1)
The discussion devolved into a shouting match