devolution
UK/,diːvə'luːʃ(ə)n/US/.devә'lu:ʃәn/
C2
Definitions
n.
The transfer of power or authority from a central government to regional or local bodies
（权力）下放；地方分权
n.
A gradual decline or degeneration to a worse state
退化；衰退
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde-down, away, reversal
+
-ionact, process, state
=devolution
de- (down) + volut (rolled, from volvere) + -ion = 'a rolling down.' Power rolls down from the center to the regions. The same image gives the negative sense of rolling downhill into a worse condition.
Root vol still carries 50 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.political devolution政治分权
- 2.devolution of power权力下放
- 3.devolution to the regions向地方下放权力
Example Sentences
- 1.
Scotland gained greater powers through political devolution.
- 2.
The treaty allowed for the devolution of authority to local councils.