Evolutionary: meaning, definitions and examples
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evolutionary
[ˌiːvəˈluːʃ(ə)n(ə)ri ]
Definitions
biology
Relating to or in accordance with the principles of biological evolution.
Synonyms
biological, natural selection.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| evolutionary |
See first entry for 'evolutionary'. |
| biological |
Refers to anything related to biology, the study of living organisms. This word is often used in a broad sense to talk about life processes, structures, and functions.
|
| natural selection |
Used to specifically describe the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This term is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology.
|
Examples of usage
- Evolutionary changes in species occur over long periods of time.
- The study of evolutionary biology helps us understand the diversity of life on Earth.
technology
Involving gradual development or change over time, especially in technology.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| evolutionary |
Use this word in scientific or biological contexts when discussing the gradual development of species or systems over long periods of time.
|
| progressive |
Used in social, political, or cultural discussions to indicate forward-thinking, positive change or reform over time.
|
| incremental |
Ideal for business, technology, or strategy discussions when referring to small, gradual changes or improvements made step-by-step.
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Examples of usage
- The company focuses on evolutionary improvements to its software.
- Technological advancements are often the result of small, evolutionary steps.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'evolutio', meaning 'unrolling' or 'opening,' representing how species unfold and adapt over time.
- The term gained popularity in the 19th century with the rise of natural sciences, particularly thanks to the work of scientists like Charles Darwin.
Science
- Darwin's theory suggested that species evolve through a process called natural selection, where the best-suited organisms survive and reproduce.
- Fossils provide crucial evidence of evolutionary changes, showing how different species are related through time.
Pop Culture
- The concept of evolution has inspired numerous books and films, such as the famous 'Jurassic Park' series, which imagines bringing dinosaurs back to life using genetic technology.
- Video games like 'Spore' allow players to evolve their creatures, simulating evolutionary processes and adaptations.
Psychology
- Evolutionary psychology explores how human behavior and thinking have been shaped by the need for survival and reproduction over millennia.
- The understanding of instincts and social behaviors in modern humans can often be traced back to evolutionary pressures faced by early ancestors.
Literature
- Many classic and modern works of literature explore themes of change and transformation, echoing the evolutionary journey found in nature.
- Authors like Aldous Huxley in 'Brave New World' reflected on societal evolution and its implications for humanity’s future.
Translations
Translations of the word "evolutionary" in other languages:
🇵🇹 evolucionário
🇮🇳 विकासवादी
🇩🇪 evolutionär
🇮🇩 evolusioner
🇺🇦 еволюційний
🇵🇱 ewolucyjny
🇯🇵 進化的な (shinkateki na)
🇫🇷 évolutionnaire
🇪🇸 evolutivo
🇹🇷 evrimsel
🇰🇷 진화의 (jinhwa-ui)
🇸🇦 تطوري
🇨🇿 evoluční
🇸🇰 evolučný
🇨🇳 进化的 (jìnhuà de)
🇸🇮 evolucijski
🇮🇸 þróunar
🇰🇿 эволюциялық
🇬🇪 ევოლუციური
🇦🇿 təkamül
🇲🇽 evolutivo