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Successor Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary

Evolve/ develop

Hello,

please could you tell me which of the two words - evolve or develop suit better in the context:

On average, prisoners 'dated' their partners for three years before the wedding. In fact, these relationships developed / evolved much in the same way as Victorian courtsips did: partners had to meet in very formal circumstances ...

I prefer the verb 'develop'. Or do they both work here?

Thank you for your answers!
  

Top answer

Either of those works fine here. Evolve can mean to develop slowly, which would fit this scenario. Develop also works just fine.

— Sam1947

  • Either of those works fine here.
  • Evolve can mean to develop slowly, which would fit this scenario.
  • Develop also works just fine.
  • I think the point here is that these relationships between prisoners and persons who ultimately become their romantic partners develop more slowly than relationships in society at large today, as romantic relationships did in Victorian times, because the meetings are under very structured conditions where the couple are not allowed to be alone.
  • Using evolve would capture that, but using develop, or develop slowly, is perfectly fine, too.
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1 Answers
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Either of those works fine here. Evolve can mean to develop slowly, which would fit this scenario. Develop also works just fine.

I think the point here is that these relationships between prisoners and persons who ultimately become their romantic partners develop more slowly than relationships in society at large today, as romantic relationships did in Victorian times, because the meet
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