Synonyms for

Evolution

Verb / ˌevʌˈlu:ʃʌn / / ˌi:vʌˈlu:ʃʌn / / ˌevəʊˈlu:ʃʌn / / ˌi:vəʊˈlu:ʃʌn / Another word for evolution — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Evolution is the process of gradual change and development over time, often used to describe the development of species over time.

Synonyms & similar words

devolution organicevolution phylogenesis phylogeny development development progression advancement growth change transformation mutation adaptation evolvement emergence unfolding maturation improvement modernization innovation reformation revolution metamorphosis conversion shift

Synonyms by register

Formal

development progress advancement unfolding

Informal

change growth maturation

Literary

metamorphosis transformation genesis

Antonyms

stagnation cessation arrest standstill inactivity fixity

Common collocations

  • natural evolution
  • human evolution
  • evolutionary process
  • theory of evolution
  • evolution of species
  • evolutionary biology
  • evolutionary path

Word family

noun evolution
verb evolve
adjective evolutionary

Usage note

Primarily used in biology to describe the change in heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations. Can also be used more broadly for gradual development or change.

Example sentences

  1. The evolution of computers has greatly changed the way we live.
  2. Many scientists believe in the theory of evolution.
  3. The evolution of language is a complex topic.
  4. The evolution of fashion over the centuries is fascinating to study.
  5. The evolution of technology has made many tasks easier.

Quotes

  • The story of evolution unfolds with increasing levels of abstraction, taking us from the earliest barely differentiated stirrings of life to the emergence of the great apes, fully capable of communication and thought.
  • The most important scientific revolutions all include, as their only common feature, the dethronement of human arrogance from one pedestal after another of previous convictions about our centrality in the cosmos.
  • The evolution of the human race will not be accomplished in the ten thousand years of tame animals, but in the million years of wild animals, because man is and will always be a wild animal.

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