Devolve on

verb

To transfer or pass on (responsibility, rights, or power) from one person or group to another.

After his death, the responsibilities as a father devolved on his brother.
Visual representation of "devolve on" - To transfer or pass on (responsibility, rights, or power) from one person or group to another.

Often appears as...

  • duties devolve on
  • responsibility devolve on

Usage tips

Formal

verb

To be inherited by or fall upon someone or something.

After his father's death, the property devolved on him.
Visual representation of "devolve on" - To be inherited by or fall upon someone or something.

Often appears as...

  • estate devolve on
  • property devolve on

Usage tips

Formal

verb

To transfer or pass on (responsibility, rights, or power) from one person or group to another.

After his death, the responsibilities as a father devolved on his brother.
Visual representation of "devolve on" - To transfer or pass on (responsibility, rights, or power) from one person or group to another.

Often appears as...

  • duties devolve on
  • responsibility devolve on

Usage tips

Formal

verb

To be inherited by or fall upon someone or something.

After his father's death, the property devolved on him.
Visual representation of "devolve on" - To be inherited by or fall upon someone or something.

Often appears as...

  • estate devolve on
  • property devolve on

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "devolve on"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Shifting Responsibility

Used when someone gets a duty because another person can't or won't do it anymore.

Illustration for Shifting Responsibility
When the manager retired, her tasks devolved on the assistant.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Often Formal

Commonly found in legal, business or formal texts, rather than casual conversation.

Illustration for Often Formal
The role of chairman devolves on her in the event of the president's absence.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Reluctant Acceptance

Can imply taking on a responsibility unwillingly or by default.

Illustration for Reluctant Acceptance
The burden of proof has devolved on the accused party.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Shifting Responsibility

Used when someone gets a duty because another person can't or won't do it anymore.

Illustration for Shifting Responsibility
When the manager retired, her tasks devolved on the assistant.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Often Formal

Commonly found in legal, business or formal texts, rather than casual conversation.

Illustration for Often Formal
The role of chairman devolves on her in the event of the president's absence.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Reluctant Acceptance

Can imply taking on a responsibility unwillingly or by default.

Illustration for Reluctant Acceptance
The burden of proof has devolved on the accused party.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Shifting Responsibility

Used when someone gets a duty because another person can't or won't do it anymore.

Illustration for Shifting Responsibility
When the manager retired, her tasks devolved on the assistant.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Often Formal

Commonly found in legal, business or formal texts, rather than casual conversation.

Illustration for Often Formal
The role of chairman devolves on her in the event of the president's absence.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Reluctant Acceptance

Can imply taking on a responsibility unwillingly or by default.

Illustration for Reluctant Acceptance
The burden of proof has devolved on the accused party.
Visual representation of the word "Devolve on"

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