devolve
UK/dɪ'vɒlv/US/di'vɒlv/
GREC2
Definitions
v.
To transfer power or responsibility from a central authority to a lower level
下放，移交（权力或职责）
v.
(devolve into) to gradually decline into a worse state
（渐渐）退化为，沦为
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde- (down) + volvere (roll) = 'to roll down.' Power devolves when it rolls down from a central government to local ones. The negative sense (devolve into chaos) keeps the 'rolling downward' image — sliding down into a worse state.
Root vol still carries 50 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.devolve power下放权力
- 2.devolve responsibility移交职责
- 3.devolve into沦为
- 4.devolve to下放给
Example Sentences
- 1.
The central government devolved more powers to the regions.
- 2.
Responsibility for schools was devolved to local councils.
- 3.
The friendly chat soon devolved into a shouting match.