First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1even
noun \ˈē-vən\
Definition of EVEN
archaic : evening
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Origin of EVEN
Middle English even, eve, from Old English ǣfen
2even
adjective
: having a flat, smooth, or level surface
: not having breaks or bumps
: located next to someone or something else
Full Definition of EVEN
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a : being any of the integers (as −2, 0, and +2) that are divisible by two without leaving a remainder b : marked by an even number c : being a mathematical function such that f(x) = f(−x) where the value remains unchanged if the sign of the independent variable is reversed
6
: as likely as not : fifty-fifty <an even chance of winning>
— even·ly adverb
— even·ness \-vən-nəs\ noun
— on an even keel also on even keel
: in a sound or stable condition
See even defined for English-language learners
Origin of EVEN
Middle English, from Old English efen; akin to Old High German eban even
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to EVEN
Synonym Discussion of EVEN
level, flat, plane, even, smooth mean having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities. level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon <the vast prairies are nearly level>. flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions <the work surface must be flat>. plane applies to any real or imaginary flat surface in which a straight line between any two points on it lies wholly within that surface <the plane sides of a crystal>. even applies to a surface that is noticeably flat or level or to a line that is observably straight <trim the hedge so it is even>. smooth applies especially to a polished surface free of irregularities <a smooth skating rink>.
steady, even, equable mean not varying throughout a course or extent. steady implies lack of fluctuation or interruption of movement <steady progress>. even suggests a lack of variation in quality or character <an even distribution>. equable implies lack of extremes or of sudden sharp changes <maintain an equable temper>.
steady, even, equable mean not varying throughout a course or extent. steady implies lack of fluctuation or interruption of movement <steady progress>. even suggests a lack of variation in quality or character <an even distribution>. equable implies lack of extremes or of sudden sharp changes <maintain an equable temper>.
3even
adverb
—used to stress something that is surprising or unlikely
—used to stress the difference between two things that are being compared
—used after a negative word (such as not or a contraction of not ) to stress the smallness of an amount or effort
Full Definition of EVEN
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a —used as an intensive to emphasize the identity or character of something <forgot his car keys and even left the engine running> b —used as an intensive to stress an extreme or highly unlikely condition or instance <so simple even a child can do it> c —used as an intensive to stress the comparative degree <she did even better> d —used as an intensive to indicate a small or minimum amount <didn't even try>
See even defined for English-language learners
Origin of EVEN
Middle English, from Old English efne, from efen, adjective
First Known Use: before 12th century
4even
verb
: to make (something) equal
evenedeven·ing \ˈēv-niŋ, ˈē-və-\
Full Definition of EVEN
transitive verb
: to make even
intransitive verb
: to become even
— even·er \-nər\ noun
See even defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EVEN
13th century
EVEN Defined for Kids
1even
adjective \ˈē-vən\
Definition of EVEN for Kids
1
: having a flat, smooth, or level surface <even ground>
2
: being on the same line or level <Water is even with the rim of a glass.>
3
: staying the same over a period of time <even breathing>
4
: equal in size, number, or amount <The bread was cut in even slices.>
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: not giving an advantage to one side : fair <an even trade>
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: able to be divided by two into two equal whole numbers <Fourteen is even, but fifteen is odd.>
— even·ly adverb
— even·ness noun
2even
adverb
Definition of EVEN for Kids
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—used to stress a highly unlikely condition or instance <… even his mustache looked more cheerful. — Lloyd Alexander, Time Cat>
2
: to a greater extent or degree : still <even better>
3
: so much as <She didn't even offer to help.>
4
: indeed <We were willing, even eager, to help.>
5
: at the very time <It's happening even as we speak.>
3even
verb
evenedeven·ing
Definition of EVEN for Kids
: to make or become smooth or equal <I evened out the rug.> <That point evens the score.>
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