devolve
/dɪˈvɑlv/ verb C2- 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.
- To delegate (a responsibility, duty, etc.) on or upon someone. · Near-synonyms: pass down, pass on, hand down
- To transfer authority and responsibility for (something) to (another entity).
- To fall as a duty or responsibility on or upon someone.
- To shift or to be transferred from a central government to a local one, a federal one to a federated one, etc. · Many legislative powers devolved to the new Scottish parliament in 1999.
- To degenerate; to break down. · A discussion about politics may devolve into a shouting match.
He/she/it devolves · Past devolved · Past participle devolved · -ing form devolving
Verb forms
- Base form
- devolve
- He/she/it
- devolves
- Past
- devolved
- Past participle
- devolved
- -ing form
- devolving
From the library
“‘Well, as after my death the command devolves on you as mate, assume the command, and bear up for the Island of Elba, disembark at Porto-Ferrajo, ask for the grand-marshal, give him this letter—perhaps they will give you another letter, and charge you with a commission.
It is not a subject on which I would willingly dwell, and yet I am conscious that a duty devolves upon me to omit no detail.
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