evolution
gb/ˌɛvəlˈuʃən/ us/ˌɛvəlˈuʃən/
B1
English
~ 3100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
event
1
Gradual change in species over time
The slow change in plants, animals, or other living things over a long time.
Usage pattern:
[something]'s evolution
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'evolution' with 'revolution' because they sound similar, but 'revolution' means a sudden change, while 'evolution' is slow and gradual.
Synonyms
natural selection (A mechanism of evolution, more specific than the broader concept of evolution.)
|
adaptation (Refers to specific traits developed through evolution, not the full process.)
Antonyms
creationism (The belief that life originated from a divine act, opposing the scientific explanation of evolution.)
Collocations
theory of evolution
|biological evolution
|human evolution
|Darwinian evolution
Themes
science
|biology
|nature
Examples
- Charles Darwin's work helped explain the theory of evolution.
- The evolution of whales from land mammals took millions of years.
- Scientists study fossils to learn about human evolution.
- Evolution explains how species adapt to their environment.
- Birds are thought to be the result of the evolution of certain dinosaurs.
Learner examples
- Darwin wrote about the evolution of animals.
- Evolution takes a very long time.
- We study evolution in science class.
- Evolution explains how life changes.
- The book talks about human evolution.
Noun
B1
property
2
Gradual development over time
The slow change or growth of something over time.
Usage pattern:
the evolution of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'evolution' only applies to biology, but it can also describe changes in non-living things like technology or art.
Synonyms
progression (Focuses more on forward movement, not just change.)
|
development (A broader term that can apply to both fast and slow changes.)
Antonyms
regression (A return to a less developed state, opposite to progress in evolution.)
Collocations
the evolution of technology
|cultural evolution
|the evolution of language
Themes
general
|culture
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The evolution of smartphones has been rapid over the past decade.
- We studied the evolution of language in our linguistics class.
- The company's success is due to the steady evolution of its business model.
- Fashion trends show an interesting evolution over time.
- The evolution of film technology changed how movies are made.
Learner examples
- The evolution of cars is very fast now.
- We talked about the evolution of music in class.
- Language has a long history of evolution.
- The internet has had a quick evolution.
- The city's skyline shows its evolution.
Noun
technical
C1
action
3
Planned movement or maneuver
A planned movement from one position to another, usually by soldiers, ships, or airplanes.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with the general idea of change over time; here it refers to physical movement patterns.
Synonyms
maneuver (A general term for a planned movement; 'evolution' can be more formal and technical.)
Antonyms
standstill (A complete lack of movement or progress, opposite to a maneuver.)
Collocations
naval evolutions
|aerial evolutions
|military evolutions
Themes
military
|transport
|politics
Examples
- The fleet performed complex evolutions during the exercise.
- Pilots practiced aerial evolutions for the air show.
- Military evolutions require careful coordination among units.
Learner examples
- The ships did many evolutions in the sea.
- The army trained for new evolutions.
- The planes made fast evolutions in the air.
Grammar
Dictionary form
evolution
IPA
GB/ˌɛvəlˈuʃən/
US/ˌɛvəlˈuʃən/
Syllables & stress
evol - u - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (tion)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: evolution
- Plural: evolution, evolutions
Word family
Forms
evolutions
noun
Core family
evolve
verb B2
evolutionary
adjective B2
Related words
evolutionarily
adverb
evolutionist
noun
Negative and opposite forms
unevolved
adjective
Advanced or less common
devolution
noun
devolve
verb
Expressions
cultural evolution
1/kˈʌlt͡ʃɚəl ˌɛvəlˈuʃən/
fixed phrase
Gradual change in culture over time
The slow change in culture, traditions, and ideas over many years.
Examples
- Cultural evolution has shaped how societies work today.
- Language is an important part of cultural evolution.
human evolution
1/hjˈumən ˌɛvəlˈuʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
Gradual biological development of humans
The slow change of humans from older species into modern people.
Examples
- Fossils give scientists clues about human evolution.
- Human evolution took millions of years.
theory of evolution
1/θˈiɚi əv ˌɛvəlˈuʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
Scientific explanation for species change
The scientific idea that plants and animals slowly change over time through natural processes like natural selection.
Examples
- The theory of evolution is taught in most biology classes.
- Many scientists have added evidence to support the theory of evolution.