devolve
To transfer or delegate power, responsibility, or property to a lower level, especially from a central government to local or regional administration.
Implies a permanent or highly structured downward flow of power. In biological contexts, it can also mean to degenerate or deteriorate into a lower state.
Word relationships
- decentralize: 'Decentralize' refers to the systemic restructuring of an entire organization, while 'devolve' is the specific act of passing the authority down.
- transfer: 'Transfer' is a neutral term for moving something, whereas 'devolve' specifically emphasizes a downward direction (from higher to lower hierarchy).
- centralize: 'Centralize' means to pull all decision-making power back up to a single, central authority.
- consolidate: 'Consolidate' means to combine multiple powers or departments into a single, stronger unit.
Commonly confused with
- evolve: 'Evolve' means to develop gradually from a simple to a complex form (rolling forward), while 'devolve' means to pass power down (rolling down) or to degenerate.
Word family
- devolution (noun): The statutory delegation of powers from the central government of a sovereign state to govern at a subnational level.
Collocations
- devolve power
- devolve responsibility
- devolve to regions
- devolve into chaos
Example sentences
- "The national parliament decided to devolve legislative powers over education and healthcare to the regional assemblies." A political science textbook discussing constitutional law.
- "Without a clear agenda, the debate began to devolve into a series of personal insults and shouting matches." A description of a chaotic meeting.
Memory hook
Think of a heavy stone 'rolling down' (de-volving) a hill. The power rolls down from the top executive to the local team. Power rolling down the hill.
When not to use
Do not use for simple, temporary task assignments (e.g., 'I devolved the filing to my assistant' is incorrect; use 'delegated').
Fun facts
- The root 'volvere' (to roll) is also the source of the word 'Volvo' (the car brand, which literally translates from Latin as 'I roll').
Explore more words
degenerate, decentralization, deteriorate, degenerative, relegate, evolve
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