The “Volve” Word Family

Do you like word families? I love them. They’re related in interesting, intricate ways. Today, let me introduce you to the “volve” family.

Here are the members; do let me know if you know of cousins or aunts and uncles – even a stray grandparent.

Evolve

Involve

Devolve

Revolve

I’m sure you have met “evolve” before.

It’s related to evolution.

The flying squirrel evolved the capacity to jump and glide far distances, giving it the semblance of flying.

It seems this habit has evolved into something bigger. Let us determine how best to tackle it.

And of course you’re most familiar with “involve”. No need for formal introductions.

Are you the detective involved in this case?

I am involved in this family matter. It is much more tangled than it initially appears.

Ah, but let me introduce you to a lesser known cousin – “devolve”.

This devolves on you. It is all on your shoulders; you see how best to solve it.

The federal government is devolving more power to local magistrates.

Shall I introduce you to “revolve”? Please, please, no need to stand on ceremony. We are all friends here.

This idea has been revolving in my mind for a long time now. I have had much time to think it over.

Our enigma revolves on one central point. How very interesting.

So, you’ve met the family.

Here’s their breakdown so you can understand them a bit better.

“Volve” or “volv” comes from Latin “to roll” or “to turn”. Spanish still makes use of this root.

e-volve: to unroll

in-volve: in roll; or more logically, to envelop, to surround, wrap around

de-volve: down roll; or to pass on to lower ranks

re-volve: roll around; more precisely, a central point

Other branches of this family tree include: evolution, revolution, devolution, involvement, and revolver.

Use them in sentences of your own making, whether in speaking or writing. Challenge yourself and use them in one paragraph! Or play word games with friends and ask them how each of these words differs from the others, and how they are related.

Have a lovely week.