evolve, adapt, deteriorate, replace, fluctuate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 65. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. evolve · verb/əˈvɔlv/

   to undergo development or evolution

   Scientists believe that humans will change in the future, but are we are unlikely to evolve into a new species which is very different from our current appearance and mental power.

   Synonyms: develop, progress

   Origin: early 17th century (in the general sense ‘make more complex, develop’): from Latin evolvere, from e- (variant of ex-) ‘out of’ + volvere ‘to roll’

2. adapt · verb/əˈdæpt/

   to change or adjust to suit new conditions or a new purpose

   The new manager was criticised for refusing to adapt his methods to the the ever-changing expectations of the customers.

   Synonyms: accustom, modify

   Origin: mid 16th century: from French adapter, from Latin adaptare, from ad- ‘to’ + aptare (from aptus ‘fit’)

3. deteriorate · verb/dəˈtɪriəˌreɪt/

   to become worse or disintegrate

   As a regular customer who has been eating lunch in this restaurant for the last 5 years, I can say that the quality of the food served has deteriorated seriously.

   Synonyms: degrade, worsen

   Origin: late 16th century (in the sense ‘make worse’): from late Latin deteriorat- ‘worsened’, from the verb deteriorare, from Latin deterior ‘worse’

4. replace · verb/rəˈpleɪs/

   to take the place of someone or something

   Since replacing the former minister, the current Minister of Economy has had to deal with public protests stemming from the economic crisis.

   Synonyms: restore, compensate

5. fluctuate · verb/ˈfləktʃəˌweɪt/

   to move in a rising and falling pattern

   In many parts of the world, the price of gold fluctuates considerably as it is influenced by the demand from investors.

   Synonyms: vary, shift

   Origin: mid 17th century (earlier (late Middle English) as fluctuation): from Latin fluctuat- ‘undulated’, from the verb fluctuare, from fluctus ‘flow, current, wave’, from fluere ‘to flow’