EVER

(EMPHASIS) [adverb] [not gradable] - used for emphasizing an adjectiveThe orchestra is to perform its last ever concert/last concert ever tomorrow night at the Albert Hall.Yesterday the company announced its first ever fall in profits.(US and ANZ) Was she ever a fast runner! (= She was a very fast runner!)(US and ANZ) "Are you looking forward to your vacation?" "Am I ever! (= Yes, very much!)"In questions, 'ever' can be used to emphasize the question word.How ever could anyone do such a dreadful thing?What ever have you done to him?When ever are we/When are we ever going to get this finished?Where ever have I put my pen? I had it just a moment ago.Who ever was that strange man you were talking to at the bar?Why ever would anyone/Why would anyone ever want to watch a film like that? (= I really can't believe anyone would want to.)Ever so and ever such are slightly informal ways of saying 'very' or 'extremely'.Mark got ever so drunk last night.Mary's ever such a clever girl.