How to pronounce devolve
Say it like dih-VOLV. Devolve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VOLV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce devolve. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- VOLV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Devolve pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- VOLVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of devolve
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: dih-VOLV.
What does devolve mean?
- To be inherited by someone else; to pass down upon the next person in a succession, especially through failure or loss of an earlier holder.
- To delegate (a responsibility, duty, etc.) on or upon someone.
- To transfer authority and responsibility for (something) to (another entity).“Despite being a unitary state, the Government of the United Kingdom devolved many matters to the Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
Where does devolve come from?
Borrowed from Latin dēvolvō (“roll or tumble off or down”), from dē- + volvō (“roll”).
Words that rhyme with devolve
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of devolve.
Questions about saying devolve
How do you pronounce devolve?
Say dih-VOLV. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈvɑlv/. In British English it is /dɪˈvɒlv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in devolve?
Devolve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VOLV). Broken into parts: dih · VOLV.
Is devolve pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /dɪˈvɒlv/ (dih-VOLV).