Evolutionary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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evolutionary

[หŒiหvษ™หˆluหสƒ(ษ™)n(ษ™)ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

biology

Relating to or in accordance with the principles of biological evolution.

Synonyms

biological, natural selection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • We're learning about biological systems in our physiology class.
  • The biological impact of pollution on marine life is significant.
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.

  • Natural selection favors traits that are advantageous for survival.
  • Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection explains the diversity of species.

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

technology

Involving gradual development or change over time, especially in technology.

Synonyms

incremental, progressive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The evolutionary theory explains how species adapt over generations.
  • Her research focuses on the evolutionary changes in plant life.
progressive

Used in social, political, or cultural discussions to indicate forward-thinking, positive change or reform over time.

  • The organization supports progressive policies to address climate change.
  • Her progressive views on education have inspired many.
incremental

Ideal for business, technology, or strategy discussions when referring to small, gradual changes or improvements made step-by-step.

  • The software updates are usually incremental, introducing new features one at a time.
  • They pursued an incremental approach to improve the company's processes.

Examples of usage

  • The company focuses on evolutionary improvements to its software.
  • Technological advancements are often the result of small, evolutionary steps.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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 humanityโ€™s future.

Origin of 'evolutionary'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The term 'evolutionary' originated from the Latin word 'evolutio', meaning 'unrolling'. It was first used in the 19th century in the context of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. The concept of evolutionary change has since been applied to various fields, including biology, technology, and culture.


See also: evolutionism, evolutions.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,728 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.