Devolve to Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Government Context Used when describing the delegation of powers from a higher to a lower government authority. Education reforms were devolved to local councils. Pro Tip 2/3Less Control Suggests the central authority is reducing its direct control on certain matters. Emergency response was devolved to municipal agencies. Pro Tip 3/3Regional Autonomy Implies a region is gaining more independence in decision-making processes. Tax regulations were devolved to each state.