/ ˈiːvn; NAmE / adverb , adjective , verb
■ adverb
1.
used to emphasize sth unexpected or surprising :
He never even opened the letter (= so he certainly didn't read it) .
It was cold there even in summer (= so it must have been very cold in winter) .
Even a child can understand it (= so adults certainly can) .
She didn't even call to say she wasn't coming.
2.
used when you are comparing things, to make the comparison stronger :
You know even less about it than I do.
She's even more intelligent than her sister.
3.
used to introduce a more exact description of sb/sth :
It's an unattractive building, ugly even.
➡ note at although
•
IDIOMS
- even as
- even if / though
- even now / then
- even so
—more at less adverb
■ adjective
SMOOTH / LEVEL
1.
smooth, level and flat :
You need an even surface to work on.
OPP uneven
NOT CHANGING
2.
not changing very much in amount, speed, etc. :
an even temperature all year
Children do not learn at an even pace.
OPP uneven
EQUAL
3.
( of an amount of sth ) equal or the same for each person, team, place, etc. :
Our scores are now even.
the even distribution of food
OPP uneven
4.
( of two people or teams ) equally balanced or of an equal standard :
an even contest
The two players were pretty even.
OPP uneven
NUMBERS
5.
that can be divided exactly by two :
4, 6, 8, 10 are all even numbers
OPP odd
SAME SIZE
6.
equally spaced and the same size :
even features / teeth
OPP uneven
CALM
7.
calm; not changing or becoming upset :
She has a very even temperament.
He spoke in a steady, even voice.
► even·ness / ˈiːvənnəs; NAmE / noun [ U ]
•
IDIOMS
- be even
- be / get even (with sb)
- break even
- have an even chance (of doing sth)
- on an even keel
—more at honour noun
■ verb
•
IDIOMS
- even the score
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- even out
- even sth out
- even sth up
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English efen (adjective), efne (adverb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch even , effen and German eben .