To develop or form gradually; to change by degrees (verb)
Looking for the answer to the USA Today Rootonym clue “To develop or form gradually; to change by degrees (verb)”? The solution is EVOLVE, a 6-letter word built on the root VOLV (“roll, turn”). It appeared in the July 12, 2026 (Sunday) USA Today Rootonym. See the full puzzle for that day's other words.
Answer
EVOLVE
*VOLV*VOLVmeans “roll, turn”
In a sentence
Bankers predict that Tom's simple idea will EVOLVE into a useful consumer product.
About this clue
The Rootonym clue “To develop or form gradually; to change by degrees (verb)” has the answer EVOLVE (6 letters), built on the root VOLV, which means “roll, turn”. Browse the full July 12, 2026 Rootonym puzzle for the other three words, or see all Rootonym answers.