Difference Between Evolution and Revolution

Main Difference – Evolution vs Revolution

The two nouns evolution and revolution both refer to a change. However, there is a distinctive difference between the change implied by these two words. Evolution refers to a slow and gradual change whereas revolution refers to a sudden, dramatic and complete change. This is the main difference between evolution and revolution. In addition, evolution can also refer to the theory that explains the creation of living things and revolution can refer to the forcible overthrow of a government or a social order.

This article explains, 

1. What Does Evolution Mean – Definition, Meaning and Usage of the word Evolution

2. What Does Revolution Mean – Definition, Meaning and Usage of the word Revolution 

3. What is the Difference Between Evolution and Revolution 

Difference Between Evolution and Revolution - Evolution vs Revolution Comparison Summary

What Does Evolution Mean

Evolution refers to a change or development that takes place gradually. The Oxford dictionary defines revolution as a “the gradual development of something” and Merriam-Webster defines it as “a process of slow change and development.” As seen from these definitions, evolution refers to a slow and gradual change.

He studied the evolution of the English language in class.

It is an important phase in the evolution of mobile phones.

The evolution of the music can be studied under several stages.

In biology, evolution refers to the process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed from their earlier forms during the history of the earth. This process is also a very slow and gradual development which took place over thousands of years.

Main Difference - Evolution vs Revolution

Human evolution

What Does Revolution Mean

Revolution also refers to a change, but this change is bigger and sudden. The Oxford dictionary defines revolution as a “dramatic and wide-reaching change in conditions, attitudes, or operation” and Merriam-Webster defines it as “a sudden, extreme, or complete change in the way people live, work, etc.” For example,

The invention of the printing press caused a revolution in literature.

Primary education underwent a revolution due to this new theory.

This new discovery could cause a revolution in quantum physics.

In all the above examples, revolution refers to a massive change. However, revolution also can refer to the forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new one. French revolution ‎(1789–99) and Russian Revolution (1917) are examples of this kind of incidents.

Difference Between Evolution and Revolution

The Storming of the Bastille, during French Revolution.

Difference Between Evolution and Revolution

Definition

Evolution is a slow and gradual change or development.

Revolution a sudden, extreme, or complete change in the way people live, work, etc.

Alternative Meaning

Evolution can refer to the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.

Revolution can refer to the forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new one.

Change

Evolution is a slow and gradual change.

Revolution is a sudden and dramatic change.

Image Courtesy:

“Prise de la Bastille” By Jean-Pierre Houël – Bibliothèque nationale de France (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

“Human evolution” By Tkgd2007 – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia 

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.