devolve
UK[dɪˈvɒlv]US[dɪˈvɑːlv]
v
to pass on or delegate (power, duties, or responsibilities) to a lower level, especially from a central government to a regional or local authority.
v
to degenerate or deteriorate gradually.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
volve
de
down/away
volve
roll
Etymology
the word 'devolve' originates from the latin verb 'devolvere', a compound of the prefix 'de-' ('down') and 'volvere' ('to roll'). its literal sense was 'to roll down', which could be applied physically, such as an object rolling down a hill. this concrete imagery evolved metaphorically in late latin and medieval latin to signify the transfer of authority or property 'downward' to a successor. entering english in the late middle english period, the term retained this core concept of downward transfer, particularly in legal and political contexts, while also developing a secondary, more general meaning of declining or deteriorating, as if rolling away from a former state.
Analysis
Structure: de (down/away) + volve (roll)
de- (latin prefix, meaning 'down from' or 'away'); volve (latin root, from 'volvere', meaning 'to roll')
Examples
the new legislation will devolve significant budgetary powers to the local councils.
when the manager is absent, his duties devolve upon his deputy.
without proper maintenance, the public debate can quickly devolve into personal insults.