Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Devolve
verb
/ dih-VOLV /
Medium
Meaning
To transfer or delegate power, authority, or responsibility to a lower level of government or administration
Origin / Etymology
Latin devolvere, from de- (down) + volvere (to roll)
Synonyms
Delegate
Decentralise
Transfer
Antonyms
Centralise
Concentrate
Consolidate
Example Sentence
"The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments sought to devolve governance functions to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, strengthening grassroots democracy."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Use in GS2 (Governance) and Essay answers when discussing decentralisation, federalism, or subsidiarity — e.g., 'Finance Commission recommendations devolve a share of central taxes to state governments.'
Relevant Subjects
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