Which definition best describes the verb evolve?

• A. To grow
• B. To develop gradually over an extended period of time
• C. To go through evolutionary changes
• D. To become less complex

Answer: (B)

Evolve means to undergo gradual change or development over a period of time. The best match is the phrase that emphasizes both gradual progression and duration, capturing how something can transform step by step. For example, technology has evolved from simple devices to complex systems, or a language may evolve over centuries as usage shifts. The other ideas are not as accurate: to grow is related but lacks the emphasis on a long-term process; going through evolutionary changes sounds like a biological, species-specific process rather than a general sense of change; becoming less complex isn’t inherent to evolution, which can lead to more or different complexity depending on the context.