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Definition of evolutionary

evolutionary

/ˌɛvəˈluːʃəˌnɛri/
ev · o · lu · tion · ar · y
Adverb:evolutionarily
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evolutionary Lexical Profile

evolutionary Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to the biological process by which living organisms develop, adapt, and diversify from earlier forms over successive generations.

Example

"Researchers discovered a fossil that provides a crucial link in the evolutionary history of modern whales."

2

Relating to or characterized by gradual, incremental development and progressive change rather than sudden or radical transformation.

Example

"The software update represents an evolutionary step forward rather than a complete redesign of the platform."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for evolutionary

• Nearby Words

evoke
evolution
evolutionarily
evolutionary
evolutionist
evolve
evolvement

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from 'evolution' plus the adjectival suffix '-ary', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'evolutio' ('an unrolling of a scroll'), from 'evolvere' ('to unroll, unfold').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Evolutionary. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/evolutionary
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