Words / C1

di-VOLV/dɪˈvɒlv/

To devolve is to pass power or work to a lower level: devolve powers to a nation, work devolves to a junior. Delegate (already in the dictionary) is often a named person; centralise sits opposite; dump is the rude version with no resource. UK devolution is the constitutional twin. A named spare still has to exist.

Meaning

To transfer power or work to a lower level of government or staff.

Examples

• “Devolve invigilation to the department only with a named spare on the rota.”
• “Delegate is already in this course and usually names a person. Dump is unofficial and resourceless. Devolution is the UK constitutional noun. A transfer of duty without a name is a gap. Write the spare; then the organogram.”

Good to know

Pass power or work downwards. Close: delegate (already in the dictionary). UK: devolution. A transfer without a named spare is a dump.

Near in meaning

delegate

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