early 15c., "to roll down," from Latin devolvere "to roll down," from de- (see de-) + volvere "to roll" (see volvox). Figurative sense of "to cause to pass down" is from 1520s. Related: Devolved; devolving. Also in same sense was devolute (1530s), from Latin devolutus, past participle of devolvere.
例文
1. We have made a conscious effort to devolve responsibility.
私たちは意識的に職責を下放しています。
2.When the President is ill,his duties devolve on the Vice-President.
大統領が病気になった場合、その役割は副大統領が代行する。
3.Additional powers will devolve to the regional governments.
は地方政府により多くの権力を下放する。
4.When the President is ill,his duties devolve upon the Vice-President.