The term devolve refers to a process or system in which power, authority, or responsibility is transferred from one entity to another. This can occur within an organization, government, or other type of structure where decision-making and control are distributed among different levels or parties. Devolution often implies the transfer of power from a centralized body to a more localized or decentralized unit, with the aim of increasing efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness to specific needs or concerns. The word devolve can also be used in a broader sense to describe any situation where something is passed down through generations or evolves over time.