1
even
/ˈiːvən/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of EVEN
1
[more even; most even]
a
:
having a flat, smooth, or level surface
b
:
not having breaks or bumps
2
:
located next to someone or something else
—
often + with
3
:
not changing
:
staying the same
-
She spoke with a calm, even voice.
-
the even beat of the drum
-
He was maintaining an even [=constant] speed.
4
a
[more even; most even]
:
equal and fair
:
not giving an advantage to one side or group
b
:
having nothing owed by either side
c
:
not likely to be won easily by one side or another
5
a
of a number
:
able to be divided by two into two equal whole numbers
-
2, 4, 6, and 8 are even numbers; 1, 3, 5, and 7 are odd numbers.
b
:
marked by an even number
c
always used before a noun
:
not more or less than a stated amount
6
—
used to say that something is as likely to happen as to not happen
get even
:
to do something bad or unpleasant to someone who has treated you badly or unfairly
on an even keel
—
see 1keel
— evenly
adverb
-
The money was distributed evenly.
-
The committee was evenly divided.
-
The two teams are evenly matched.
-
Apply pressure slowly and evenly.
— evenness
/ˈiːvənnəs/
noun
[noncount]
2
even
/ˈiːvən/
adverb
Britannica Dictionary definition of EVEN
1
—
used to stress something that is surprising or unlikely
-
It's so simple that even a child can do it.
-
Not only did she stay in business, she even managed to make a profit.
-
They've changed everything about the place, even the color!
-
They've changed the doors, the carpets, the color, even!
2
—
used to stress the difference between two things that are being compared
3
—
used after a negative word (such as not or a contraction of not) to stress the smallness of an amount or effort
-
Not only didn't they help, they didn't even offer to help!
-
We thought he'd be interested in the painting, but he didn't even glance at it.
-
She didn't even give him a second thought.
4
—
used to stress something that goes beyond what has just been mentioned in some way (such as by being stronger or more specific)
-
They were willing, even eager, to help.
-
The disease can cause brain damage and even death.
even if
—
used to stress that something will happen despite something else that might prevent it
even now/then
1
—
used to stress that something is or was happening at a particular time
2
—
used to stress that something (such as a person's attitude or behavior) was or is very surprising and unexpected
-
We showed her the proof, but even then, she wouldn't admit she was wrong.
-
Despite all that went wrong, he insists even now that he would do it again.
even so
—
used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said
even though
—
used as a stronger way to say “though” or “although”
3
even
/ˈiːvən/
verb
evens;
evened;
evening
evens;
evened;
evening
Britannica Dictionary definition of EVEN
[+ object]
:
to make (something) equal
—
see also even the score at 1score
even out
[phrasal verb]
2
even (something) out
or
even out (something)
:
to make (something) even and smooth
3
even out
or
even (something) out
or
even out (something)
:
to reach a balanced or middle state between extremes over a period of time
-
The economy had good periods and bad periods, but it all evened out by the end of the year.
-
Any variations will be evened out eventually.