Words / B2

eev-uh-LOOSHUN/ˌiːvəˈluːʃn/

Evolution is gradual development: the theory of evolution; evolution of policy. Evolve is already in the dictionary. Revolution is sudden and sweeping — a useful contrast. Uncountable in biology. Do not use evolution for a one-week rebrand. Scientific essays: natural selection is a mechanism, not a synonym of evolution.

Meaning

The gradual development of living things; also gradual change in ideas or systems.

Examples

• “The paper traces the evolution of remote-work policy since 2020.”
• “The paper traces the evolution of remote-work rules since 2020.”
• “Evolution by natural selection is a biological theory, which is the science sense.”

Good to know

Uncountable: evolution of + noun; theory of evolution. Verb: evolve. Sudden change: revolution. Not a one-week tweak.

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