noun

evolution

ev-uh-LOO-shun/ˌevəˈluːʃn/

Change and development over successive stages.

Four stages show the gradual evolution of a riverside settlement.

Evolution shown as the gradual development of one riverside settlement across four successive stages, with recognizable features retained as small changes accumulate.

Etymology

eLatinout

+volutLatinto roll

+ionLatinaction or process

Evolution originally meant unrolling something, especially a book. That physical unfolding became a way to describe growth toward maturity, and then change and development more generally.

In context

Science ABC0:51

The core of evolution is the change in organisms, and the first place to investigate this change is in the DNA.

Darwin's theory of Evolution: A REALLY SIMPLE and Brief Explanation

More examples

The museum traces the evolution of bicycle design.
Her early recordings reveal the evolution of her musical style.
Small changes in our routines drive the evolution of family traditions.

Forms

evolution · evolutions

evolve verb — To change and develop gradually over time.

evolutionary adjective — Relating to gradual change over successive stages.

Similar words

development: Emphasizes growth or improvement rather than any gradual change.
progression: Emphasizes movement through a sequence, often toward a goal.