Evolutionary

Definition

Evolutionary refers to anything related to the process of evolution, which involves gradual development and change over time. It is often used in the context of biological evolution but can also apply to the development of ideas, systems, and technologies.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɛvəˈluːʃəˌnɛri/ or /ˌiːvəˈluːʃəˌnɛri/
• Respelling: ev-uh-LOO-shuh-ner-ee or ee-vuh-LOO-shuh-ner-ee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌiːvəˈluːʃənəri/ or /ˌɛvəˈluːʃənəri/
• Respelling: ee-vuh-LOO-shuh-nuh-ree or ev-uh-LOO-shuh-nuh-ree

The pronunciation of "evolutionary" varies slightly between American and British English, particularly in the first syllable.

Etymology

The word "evolutionary" is derived from the term "evolution," which comes from the Latin word "evolutio," meaning "unrolling" or "unfolding." The root "evolvere" combines "ex-" meaning "out" and "volvere" meaning "to roll."

Derivatives

• Evolution (noun)
• Evolutionist (noun)
• Evolutionarily (adverb)
• Involutionary (adjective)
• Evolver (noun)

Synonyms

• Progressive
• Developmental
• Adaptive

Antonyms

• Regressive
• Stagnant
• Fixed

Usage

The word "evolutionary" is commonly used in scientific discussions, particularly in biology, to describe processes, changes, or characteristics that occur over time as part of evolution. It is also applied in other fields to describe gradual development or improvement.

Related Terms

• Natural selection: The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
• Darwinism: The theory of the evolution of species by natural selection, advanced by Charles Darwin.
• Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence of an organism, which can lead to evolutionary changes.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Relating to or resulting from evolution: Describes processes, changes, or characteristics that occur as part of the development of species, systems, or ideas over time.
  • Example: "The evolutionary changes in the species were observed over millions of years."
• Characterized by gradual development: Refers to changes or developments that occur slowly over time, often leading to more complex forms.
  • Example: "The company's success was due to its evolutionary approach to innovation."