# devolve

> English word · Verb · IPA /dɪˈvɒɫv/ · frequency rank #37,886

## Definitions
1. 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.
2. To delegate (a responsibility, duty, etc.) on or upon someone.
3. To delegate (a responsibility, duty, etc.) on or upon someone.
4. To fall as a duty or responsibility on or upon someone.
5. To fall as a duty or responsibility on or upon someone.
6. To degenerate; to break down.
7. To roll (something) down; to unroll.

## Etymology
Borrowed from Latin dēvolvō (“roll or tumble off or down”), from dē + volvō (“roll”).

## Easily confused with
- **devote** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/devolve-vs-devote)
- **devotee** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/devolve-vs-devotee)
- **devolved** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/devolve-vs-devolved)
- **delve** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/delve-vs-devolve)
- **devalue** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/devalue-vs-devolve)

## Common misspellings (10)
`ddevolve`, `deovlve`, `devlove`, `devolev`, `devollve`, `devolvve`, `devovle`, `devvolve`, `dveolve`, `edvolve`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/devolve