evolución
nounCEFR B2
What does “evolución” mean in English?
evolution, development
evolution, development (biological species change over time; also: how something has developed; la evolución del debate)
Example sentences
La evolución del debate político en torno a la inmigración refleja cambios profundos en la percepción pública.
The evolution of the political debate on immigration reflects deep changes in public perception.
Darwin propuso que la evolución de las especies se produce a través de la selección natural a lo largo del tiempo.
Darwin proposed that the evolution of species occurs through natural selection over time.
Los médicos seguirán de cerca la evolución del paciente durante las próximas 72 horas.
The doctors will monitor the patient's progress closely over the next 72 hours.
How to use it
La evolución (noun, feminine) means 'evolution' (biological sense) or 'development, progression' (general sense). At B2, the general sense (evolution of events, trends, debates) is equally important as the scientific one. Core collocations: la evolución de los precios/del debate/de la situación; evolución biológica; seguir/observar la evolución; la evolución favorable/negativa; teoría de la evolución. The verb is evolucionar (to evolve, to progress). Distinguish from desarrollo (development — often more planned/intended) and cambio (change — not necessarily progressive).
Common mistake
Don't limit evolución to the biological sense — at B2 it is extremely common in the general sense 'how something has developed'. 'He is progressing well' = está evolucionando bien (medical). Avoid confusing with revolución (political/social revolution).