What it's NOT
devolve does NOT translate to devolver.
To say "devolver" in English, use to return / give back.
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False cognate · False friend
devolve
Does NOT mean devolver
It means to delegate / transfer power
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
devolve means to delegate / transfer power.
Why it's confused
Spanish "devolver" means to return something to where it came from or to whoever gave it. English "devolve" means to transfer power or responsibility to a lower-ranking entity. It doesn't mean returning objects.
How it's pronounced
devolvedi-VÓLV
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Examples of correct use
English
Power was devolved to local councils.
Spanish
El poder se transfirió a los consejos locales.
English
Duties devolved to the deputy.
Spanish
Las funciones se delegaron al suplente.
A trick to remember it
Devolve = to delegate/transfer power. To return something (Spanish "devolver") = return/give back.
Mini quiz
"Power devolved to the regions" means power was...
Frequently asked questions
What does "devolve" mean in English?
"Devolve" means "to delegate / transfer power". It looks a lot like "devolver", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "devolver" in English?
To say "devolver" in English, use "to return / give back". If you use "devolve" instead, you would actually be saying "to delegate / transfer power".
Do "devolve" and "devolver" mean the same thing?
Spanish "devolver" means to return something to where it came from or to whoever gave it. English "devolve" means to transfer power or responsibility to a lower-ranking entity. It doesn't mean returning objects.
Other confusing false friends
More confusing false friends
Library, embarrassed, actually... the full list of words that look the same but mean something different.
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