Reading Theme:
Evolution Definition, Meaning, and Usage Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：gradual biological change (evolution)
evolution
/ˌiːvəˈluːʃən/
n.
The very slow change in living things over a very long time, like how birds developed from dinosaurs.
gradual biological change
➕
/ˈɡrædʒuəl ˌbaɪəˈlɒdʒɪkl tʃeɪndʒ/
n.
The slow, cumulative process by which species of living organisms change over many generations, driven by natural selection, mutation, and other mechanisms. It explains the diversity of life and how modern forms descend from ancient ancestors.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'evolutio' meaning 'unrolling', from e- (out) + volvere (to roll).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a scroll unrolling (volvere) outward (e-) to reveal new forms: evolution unfolds life’s changes.
📖 Example
The study of penguin fossils shows the evolution of their wings from tools for flying to powerful flippers for swimming.
The study of penguin fossils shows the evolution of their wings from flight tools to powerful swimming flippers.
🔗 Collocations
theory of evolution – The scientific explanation for how species change over time through natural selection.
human evolution – The evolutionary process that led to the emergence of Homo sapiens.
evolutionary biology – The branch of biology that studies the processes of evolution.
🔄 Synonyms
descent with modification (n.) – A phrase used by Darwin to describe evolution as the change in species through inheritance of traits over generations.
natural selection (n.) – A key mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more.
speciation (n.) – The evolutionary process by which new biological species arise.
🚫 Antonyms
stagnation (n.) – A state of no change or development, opposite to the dynamic process of evolution.
extinction (n.) – The permanent loss of a species, which halts its evolutionary lineage.
🌱 Derivatives
evolutionary (adj.) – Relating to the process of evolution.
evolve (v.) – To undergo gradual change over time.
evolutionist (n.) – A person who supports the theory of evolution.
📖 Cultural Story
First used in English in the 1600s in mathematics. Charles Darwin adopted it in 'On the Origin of Species' (1859) to describe gradual biological change via natural selection.
Meaning 2：progressive development (evolution)
evolution
/ˌiːvəˈluːʃən/
n.
The gradual change or development of something, like how smartphones have gotten smarter over the years.
progressive development
➕
/prəˈɡresɪv dɪˈveləpmənt/
n.
The gradual process of change and improvement in systems, ideas, or technologies over time, often leading to more complex or efficient forms. It applies to fields like computing, design, social structures, and personal skills.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The evolution of mobile phone cameras, from simple sensors to complex multi-lens systems, has changed how we document our lives.
The evolution of mobile phone cameras, from basic sensors to advanced multi-lens systems, has transformed how we record our lives.
🔗 Collocations
technological evolution – The consecutive improvements and innovations in technology over time.
evolution of design – The progressive changes in the style and functionality of products.
corporate evolution – The gradual transformation of a company’s structure or strategy.
🔄 Synonyms
advancement (n.) – Forward movement or improvement in a field.
progression (n.) – The process of developing gradually towards a more advanced state.
refinement (n.) – The process of making small improvements to something to make it better.
🚫 Antonyms
regression (n.) – A return to a former or less developed state.
deterioration (n.) – The process of becoming progressively worse.
🌱 Derivatives
evolutionary (adj.) – Relating to gradual development or change.
evolve (v.) – To develop gradually.
evolutionary (adj.) – Characterized by gradual, stepwise change.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser