évolution

/e.vɔ.lɥi.sjɔ̃/
development or change over time

L'évolution de la technologie est rapide.

The evolution of technology is rapid.


general

The process of gradual change or development over time, often in a biological, technological, or social context.

L'évolution des espèces est un concept clé de la biologie.

The evolution of species is a key concept in biology.

L'évolution de la société reflète les changements culturels.

The evolution of society reflects cultural changes.

In biology, 'évolution' refers specifically to the process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and diversify from earlier forms during the history of life on Earth.

Collocations

évolution technologiquetechnological evolutionévolution socialesocial evolutionévolution biologiquebiological evolution

Related Phrases

évolution darwiniennephrase
Darwinian evolution
évolution technologiquephrase
technological evolution

Pro Tip

Biological vs. General Use

In biology, 'évolution' refers specifically to the process of natural selection and adaptation over time. In general contexts, it can refer to any gradual change or development.

Gold Rule

Scientific Context

In scientific writing, 'évolution' is capitalized when referring to the theory of evolution (e.g., 'L'Évolution est un fait scientifique.').

Word Origin

From Latin 'evolutio', meaning 'unrolling' or 'development', derived from 'evolvere' (to unroll).

Usage Notes

In everyday French, 'évolution' is often used to describe any form of gradual change, not just biological evolution. In scientific contexts, it specifically refers to the process of biological evolution.

Word Breakdown

é-
out, away
prefix
+
-volutio
unrolling, development
root
+
-n
noun marker
suffix
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais