B2 verb Neutral

evolution

/ˌev.əˈluː.ʃən/

The gradual process of change and development of something over time, moving from a simpler to a more complex or better state. It is most commonly used in biology to describe how species change over generations, but it can also refer to the development of ideas, technology, or systems.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The evolution of his cooking skills has been amazing to watch over the last few years.

The evolution of his cooking skills has been amazing to watch over the last few years.

2

This academic paper traces the evolution of democratic institutions in Western Europe.

This academic paper traces the evolution of democratic institutions in Western Europe.

3

My fashion sense has gone through quite an evolution since I was a teenager.

My fashion sense has gone through quite an evolution since I was a teenager.

Word Family

Noun
evolution
Verb
evolve
Adverb
evolutionarily
Adjective
evolutionary
Related
evolutionist
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'E' in Evolution standing for 'Extending' over time, while the 'R' in Revolution stands for 'Rapid' or 'Radical' change.

Quick Quiz

The _______ of smartphones has completely changed the way we communicate daily.

Correct!

The correct answer is: evolution

Examples

1

The evolution of his cooking skills has been amazing to watch over the last few years.

everyday

The evolution of his cooking skills has been amazing to watch over the last few years.

2

This academic paper traces the evolution of democratic institutions in Western Europe.

formal

This academic paper traces the evolution of democratic institutions in Western Europe.

3

My fashion sense has gone through quite an evolution since I was a teenager.

informal

My fashion sense has gone through quite an evolution since I was a teenager.

4

Darwin's theory of evolution provided a revolutionary framework for understanding natural history.

academic

Darwin's theory of evolution provided a revolutionary framework for understanding natural history.

5

The company's evolution from a small startup to a global tech giant took nearly two decades.

business

The company's evolution from a small startup to a global tech giant took nearly two decades.

Word Family

Noun
evolution
Verb
evolve
Adverb
evolutionarily
Adjective
evolutionary
Related
evolutionist

Common Collocations

biological evolution biological evolution
rapid evolution rapid evolution
theory of evolution theory of evolution
social evolution social evolution
constant evolution constant evolution

Common Phrases

the evolution of the species

the evolution of the species

in a state of evolution

in a state of evolution

digital evolution

digital evolution

Often Confused With

evolution vs revolution

Evolution is a slow, gradual change over time, whereas revolution implies a sudden, radical, or often violent change.

evolution vs evaluation

Evaluation is the act of judging or calculating the value of something, while evolution is the process of development.

📝

Usage Notes

While it originates in biology, 'evolution' is frequently used in business and social contexts to describe any non-static process of growth. It is usually treated as an uncountable noun when referring to the concept, but can be countable when referring to specific instances.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'revolution' when they mean 'evolution'. Remember: 'Evolution' is like a slow-growing tree; 'Revolution' is like a sudden storm.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'E' in Evolution standing for 'Extending' over time, while the 'R' in Revolution stands for 'Rapid' or 'Radical' change.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'evolutio', meaning 'unrolling of a book', describing a gradual unfolding of events.

Grammar Patterns

uncountable (abstract concept) countable (specific types or periods) often follows 'the' and precedes 'of'
🌍

Cultural Context

The concept of evolution is central to modern science but remains a topic of cultural and religious debate in some parts of the world.

Quick Quiz

The _______ of smartphones has completely changed the way we communicate daily.

Correct!

The correct answer is: evolution

Related Words

circummintude

C1

Describing a quality or approach that is all-encompassing yet expressed indirectly or through its peripheral elements. It suggests a comprehensive state of being that surrounds a central point without addressing it explicitly.

synmultery

C1

To synchronize and manage multiple diverse streams of information or tasks into a single coherent operation. It is often used in high-level technical or organizational environments to describe the seamless integration and simultaneous execution of parallel processes.

hypertendism

C1

To subject a system, social structure, or individual to chronic and excessive stress or tension until it reaches a state of instability. It involves the active process of pushing limits to the point of structural or psychological fatigue.

prelaudhood

C1

Describing the period, state, or quality of existence before an individual or entity has received public acclaim or significant praise. It specifically refers to the formative and often obscure years prior to achieving widespread recognition.

bisonence

C1

Describing a sound, resonance, or vibration that possesses two distinct tonal qualities or frequencies occurring simultaneously. It is most frequently used in specialized acoustic analysis and advanced music theory to describe complex auditory phenomena.

homoprimious

C1

Describing something that shares the same primary origin or occupies the same initial position within a sequence across different systems or groups. It is typically used in specialized academic contexts to denote foundational elements that are uniform in their starting state.

intramodant

C1

Relating to or occurring strictly within a single mode, channel, or system of operation without crossing over into others. It is often used in technical or academic contexts to describe data processing or sensory input that is contained within one specific modality.

anpacancy

C1

A state of chronic or unresolved vacancy in a physical or digital space, typically resulting from systemic failure, legal deadlocks, or economic stagnation. Unlike a standard vacancy, it implies a prolonged period during which a functional space remains unoccupied despite its potential utility.

bijudary

C1

Bijudary refers to a collective assortment of jewelry, trinkets, or small personal ornaments, often characterized by intricate or delicate craftsmanship. It can also describe the trade of a jeweler or the specific location where such finery is sold.

comcitful

C1

To actively foster or manifest communal spirit and civic responsibility through collaborative action. It describes the process of integrating oneself into a community by fulfilling social duties and promoting harmony.

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