Adjacent Words

Even definitions

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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

E'VEN
EVE , n. e'vn.
1. The decline of the sun; the latter part or close of the day, and beginning of the night. Eve is used chiefly in poetry. In prose, we generally use evening.
Winter, oft at eve, resumes the breeze.
They, like so many Alexanders,
Have in these parts from morn till even fought.
2. Eve is used also for the fast or the evening before a holiday; as Christmas Eve.

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

adj
1: divisible by two [ant: odd, uneven]
2: equal in degree or extent or amount; or equally matched or balanced; "even amounts of butter and sugar"; "on even terms"; "it was a fifty-fifty (or even) split"; "had a fifty- fifty (or even) chance"; "an even fight" [syn: even, fifty-fifty]
3: being level or straight or regular and without variation as e.g. in shape or texture; or being in the same plane or at the same height as something else (i.e. even with); "an even application of varnish"; "an even floor"; "the road was not very even"; "the picture is even with the window" [ant: uneven]
4: symmetrically arranged; "even features"; "regular features"; "a regular polygon" [syn: even, regular]
5: occurring at fixed intervals; "a regular beat"; "the even rhythm of his breathing" [syn: even, regular]
6: of the score in a contest; "the score is tied" [syn: tied, even, level] n
1: the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall); "he enjoyed the evening light across the lake" [syn: evening, eve, even, eventide] v
1: make level or straight; "level the ground" [syn: flush, level, even out, even]
2: become even or more even; "even out the surface" [syn: even, even out]
3: make even or more even [syn: even, even out] adv
1: used as an intensive especially to indicate something unexpected; "even an idiot knows that"; "declined even to consider the idea"; "I don't have even a dollar!"
2: in spite of; notwithstanding; "even when he is sick, he works"; "even with his head start she caught up with him"
3: to a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons; "looked sick and felt even worse"; "an even (or still) more interesting problem"; "still another problem must be solved"; "a yet sadder tale" [syn: even, yet, still]
4: to the full extent; "loyal even unto death"

Merriam Webster's

I. noun Etymology: Middle English even, eve, from Old English ?fen Date: before 12th century archaic evening II. adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Old English efen; akin to Old High German eban even Date: before 12th century 1. a. having a horizontal surface ; flat <even ground> b. being without break, indentation, or irregularity ; smooth c. being in the same plane or line 2. a. free from variation ; uniform <his disposition was even> b. level 4 3. a. equal, fair <an even exchange> b. (1) leaving nothing due on either side ; square <we will not be even until you repay my visit> (2) fully revenged c. being in equilibrium ; balanced; specifically showing neither profit nor loss d. obsolete candid 4. a. being any of the integers (as -2, 0, and +2) that are exactly divisible by two 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 5. exact, precise <an even dollar> 6. as likely as not ; fifty-fifty <an even chance of winning> Synonyms: see level, steady • evenly adverb • evenness noun III. adverb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English efne, from efen, adjective Date: before 12th century 1. a. exactly, precisely b. to a degree that extends ; fully, quite <faithful even unto death> c. at the very time <raining even as the sun came out> 2. a. — used as an intensive to emphasize the identity or character of something <he looked content, even happy> <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> IV. verb (evened; evening) Date: 13th century transitive verb to make even intransitive verb to become even • evener noun

Oxford Reference Dictionary

1. adj., adv., & v. --adj. (evener, evenest) 1 level; flat and smooth. 2 a uniform in quality; constant. b equal in number or amount or value etc. c equally balanced. 3 (usu. foll. by with) in the same plane or line. 4 (of a person's temper etc.) equable, calm. 5 a (of a number such as 4, 6) divisible by two without a remainder. b bearing such a number (no parking on even dates). c not involving fractions; exact (in even dozens). --adv. 1 used to invite comparison of the stated assertion, negation, etc., with an implied one that is less strong or remarkable (never even opened Etymology: let alone read the letter; does he even suspect Etymology: not to say realize the danger?; ran even faster Etymology: not just as fast as before ; even if my watch is right we shall be late Etymology: later if it is slow ). 2 used to introduce an extreme case (even you must realize it; it might even cost £100). --v. 1 tr. & intr. (often foll. by up) make or become even. 2 tr. (often foll. by to) archaic treat as equal or comparable. Phrases and idioms: even as at the very moment that. even break colloq. an equal chance. even chance an equal chance of success or failure. even money 1 betting odds offering the gambler the chance of winning the amount he or she staked. 2 equally likely to happen or not (it's even money he'll fail to arrive). even now 1 now as well as before. 2 at this very moment. even so 1 notwithstanding that; nevertheless. 2 quite so. 3 in that case as well as in others. get (or be) even with have one's revenge on. of even date Law & Commerce of the same date. on an even keel 1 (of a ship or aircraft) not listing. 2 (of a plan or person) untroubled. Derivatives: evenly adv. evenness n. Etymology: OE efen, efne 2. n. poet. evening. Etymology: OE æfen

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Even E"ven, a. [AS. efen. efn; akin to OS. eban, D. even, OHG. eban, G. efen, Icel. jafn, Dan. jevn, Sw. j["a]mn, Goth. ibns. Cf. Anent, Ebb.] 1. Level, smooth, or equal in surface; not rough; free from irregularities; hence uniform in rate of motion of action; as, even ground; an even speed; an even course of conduct. 2. Equable; not easily ruffed or disturbed; calm; uniformly self-possessed; as, an even temper. 3. Parallel; on a level; reaching the same limit. And shall lay thee even with the ground. --Luke xix. 44. 4. Balanced; adjusted; fair; equitable; impartial; just to both side; owing nothing on either side; -- said of accounts, bargains, or persons indebted; as, our accounts are even; an even bargain. To make the even truth in pleasure flow. --Shak. 5. Without an irregularity, flaw, or blemish; pure. ``I know my life so even.'' --Shak. 6. Associate; fellow; of the same condition. [Obs.] ``His even servant.'' --Wyclif (Matt. xviii. 29). 7. Not odd; capable of division by two without a remainder; -- said of numbers; as, 4 and 10 are even numbers. Whether the number of the stars is even or odd. --Jer. Taylor. On even ground, with equal advantage. On even keel (Naut.), in a level or horizontal position.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Even E"venn. [OE. eve, even, efen, [ae]fen. AS. [=ae]fen; akin to OS. [=a]band, OFries, [=a]vend, D. avond, OHG. [=a]band, Icel. aptan, Sw. afton, Dan. aften; of unknown origin. Cf. Eve, Evening.] Evening. See Eve, n. 1. [Poetic.] --Shak.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Even E"ven, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Evened; p. pr. & vb. n. Evening] 1. To make even or level; to level; to lay smooth. His temple Xerxes evened with the soil. --Sir. W. Raleigh. It will even all inequalities --Evelyn. 2. To equal [Obs.] ``To even him in valor.'' --Fuller. 3. To place in an equal state, as to obligation, or in a state in which nothing is due on either side; to balance, as accounts; to make quits. --Shak. 4. To set right; to complete. 5. To act up to; to keep pace with. --Shak.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Even E"ven, v. i. To be equal. [Obs.] --R. Carew.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Even E"ven, adv. [AS. efne. See Even, a., and cf. E'en.] 1. In an equal or precisely similar manner; equally; precisely; just; likewise; as well. ``Is it even so?'' --Shak. Even so did these Gauls possess the coast. --Spenser. 2. Up to, or down to, an unusual measure or level; so much as; fully; quite. Thou wast a soldier Even to Cato's wish. --Shak. Without . . . making us even sensible of the change. --Swift. 3. As might not be expected; -- serving to introduce what is unexpected or less expected. I have made several discoveries, which appear new, even to those who are versed in critical learning. --Addison. 4. At the very time; in the very case. I knew they were had enough to please, even when I wrote them. --Dryden. Note: Even is sometimes used to emphasize a word or phrase. ``I have debated even in my soul.'' --Shak. By these presence, even the presence of Lord Mortimer. --Shak.

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

I. DISCOURSE USES Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English. 1. You use even to suggest that what comes just after or just before it in the sentence is rather surprising. He kept calling me for years, even after he got married... Even dark-skinned women should use sunscreens... I cannot come to a decision about it now or even give any indication of my own views... He didn't even hear what I said. ADV: ADV with cl/group, ADV before v 2. You use even with comparative adjectives and adverbs to emphasize a quality that someone or something has. It was on television that he made an even stronger impact as an interviewer... Stan was speaking even more slowly than usual. ADV: ADV compar [emphasis] 3. You use even if or even though to indicate that a particular fact does not make the rest of your statement untrue. Cynthia is not ashamed of what she does, even if she ends up doing something wrong... Even though I'm supposed to be working by myself, there are other people who I can interact with. PHRASE 4. If one thing happens even as something else happens, they both happen at exactly the same time. (LITERARY) Even as she said this, she knew it was not quite true... PHRASE 5. You use even so to introduce a surprising fact which relates to what you have just said. (SPOKEN) The bus was only half full. Even so, a young man asked Nina if the seat next to her was taken... = nevertheless PHRASE: PHR with cl 6. You use even then to say that something is the case in spite of what has just been stated or whatever the circumstances may be. Peace could come only gradually, in carefully measured steps. Even then, it sounds almost impossible to achieve... PHRASE: PHR with cl II. ADJECTIVE USES Please look at category 10 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword. 1. An even measurement or rate stays at about the same level. How important is it to have an even temperature when you're working?... The brick-built property keeps the temperature at an even level throughout the year. = constant ADJ: usu ADJ n • evenly He looked at Ellen, breathing evenly in her sleep. ADV: usu ADV after v 2. An even surface is smooth and flat. The tables are fitted with a glass top to provide an even surface. = level ADJ 3. If there is an even distribution or division of something, each person, group, or area involved has an equal amount. Divide the dough into 12 even pieces and shape each piece into a ball... = equal ADJ: usu ADJ n • evenly The meat is divided evenly and boiled in a stew... The blood vessels in the skin are not evenly distributed around the face and neck. = equally ADV: ADV after v, ADV -ed 4. An even contest or competition is equally balanced between the two sides who are taking part. ...an even match between eight nations. ADJ: usu ADJ n • evenly They must choose between two evenly matched candidates for governor. ADV: ADV -ed 5. If your voice is even, you are speaking in a very controlled way which makes it difficult for people to tell what your feelings are. (LITERARY) = steady, calm ADJ 6. An even number can be divided exactly by the number two. ? odd ADJ: usu ADJ n 7. If there is an even chance that something will happen, it is no more likely that it will happen than it will not happen. They have a more than even chance of winning the next election... = fifty-fifty ADJ: ADJ n see also evens 8. When a company or a person running a business breaks even, they make neither a profit nor a loss. (BUSINESS) The airline hopes to break even next year and return to profit the following year... PHRASE: V inflects 9. If you say that you are going to get even with someone, you mean that you are going to cause them the same amount of harm or annoyance as they have caused you. (INFORMAL) I'm going to get even with you for this... Don't get angry, get even. PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR with n 10. to be on an even keel: see keel

Soule's Dictionary of English Synonyms

I. a. 1. Smooth, level, plane, flat. 2. Uniform, equable, equal, calm, steady, unruffled. 3. On a level, on the same level. 4. Fair, just, equitable. 5. Divisible by two. II. ad. 1. Exactly, verily, just. 2. At the very time. 3. Likewise, in like manner, not only so, but also. 4. Strange to say. 5. So much as. III. n. See eve

Moby Thesaurus

Laodicean, a fortiori, above all, absolutely, accommodate, accordant, adjust, after all, again, albeit, algorismic, algorithmic, align, aligned, alike, aliquot, all the more, all the same, already, alternate, although, amount to, analogous, apathetic, appease, arrowlike, as well, assimilate to, at all events, at any rate, at par, au pair, automatic, balance, balanced, beating, break even, but, by turns, calm, calm down, cancel, cardinal, centrist, changeable, chiefly, circling, close, coequal, coextending, coextensive, collateral, come to, come up to, commensurate, commutable, commutative, comparable, compensate, compose, composed, concurrent, consistent, consonant, constant, continual, continuous, convertible, cool, coordinate, correspond, correspondent, counterbalance, counterpoise, countervail, cradle, cyclic, dab, damp, dead, dead straight, decimal, defensible, definitely, delicate, deserved, despite, differential, digital, direct, directly, disinterested, dispassionate, ditto, dominantly, downy, drag, draw, drawn, dress, dub, due, dulcify, ease, epochal, equable, equal, equalize, equalized, equalizing, equanimous, equate, equidistant, equilateral, equilibrize, equispaced, equitable, equivalent, especially, eurythmic, even off, even out, even so, even stephen, even up, even with, even-tempered, evenhanded, ever so, every other, exact, exactly, exchangeably, exchanged, exponential, express, expressly, fair, fair and square, faithful, faithfully, fell, fifty-fifty, figural, figurate, figurative, fine, finished, finite, first of all, fit, flat, flatten, flattened, flush, for all that, fractional, gentle, get even with, give-and-take, glabrate, glabrescent, glabrous, good, grade, grease, half-and-half, harmonious, harmonize, harrow, homaloidal, homogeneous, homogenize, honest, horizontal, howbeit, however, hush, identical, imaginary, immutable, impair, impartial, impassive, imperturbable, impossible, in a line, in all respects, in any case, in any event, in chief, in every respect, in exchange, in return, in spite of, in the main, in turn, indeed, independent, indifferent, inerrable, inerrant, infallible, infinite, integral, integrate, interchangeable, interchanged, intermittent, invariable, ipsissimis verbis, irrational, isochronal, just, just the same, justifiable, justified, keep pace with, knot, knotted, lawful, lay, lay down, lay flat, lay level, lay low, lay out, legal, leiotrichous, level, level with, levelheaded, like, lineal, linear, lined up, literally, literatim, logarithmic, logometric, lubricate, lull, mainly, make uniform, match, match up with, mathematical, measure up to, measured, mechanical, meet, meet and right, merited, methodic, methodical, metrical, metronomic, micrometrically precise, microscopic, midway, moderate, mollify, monolithic, monotonous, more than ever, mostly, mow, mutual, mutually, nay, negative, neuter, neutral, never so, nevertheless, nice, nip and tuck, no end, nonaligned, noncommitted, nonconvergent, nondivergent, nonetheless, nonpartisan, normalize, notwithstanding, numeral, numerary, numerative, numeric, odd, of a piece, oil, on a footing, on a level, on a par, on even ground, on the fence, on the level, ordered, orderly, ordinal, oscillatory, pacify, pair, pancake, par, parallel, parallelepipedal, parallelinervate, paralleling, parallelodrome, parallelogrammatic, parallelogrammic, parallelotropic, particularly, passive, peaceful, peculiarly, periodical, permutable, persistent, pinpoint, placid, plain, plane, planish, plaster, plumb, point-blank, poise, positive, positively, possible, pour balm into, precise, precisely, predominantly, primarily, prime, principally, proper, proportion, proportionate, proportioned, pulsing, quell, quiet, quite, quits, radical, rase, rather, rational, raze, reach, real, really, reciprocal, reciprocally, reciprocate, reciprocating, reciprocative, rectilineal, rectilinear, recurrent, recurring, refined, regular, regularize, regulate, religious, religiously exact, repay, reposeful, requite, rest, retaliate, retaliatory, returnable, rhythmic, rhythmical, right, right and proper, rightful, rigid, rigidly, rigorous, rigorously, rival, robotlike, rock, rock to sleep, roll, roll flat, rolled, rotary, round, ruler-straight, run abreast, run to, same, scientific, scientifically exact, seasonal, sedate, self-possessed, serene, serial, set, settle, severe, shave, smooth, smooth down, smooth out, smooth over, smooth-shaven, smoothed out, smoothen, smoothened, sober, soothe, square, squarely, squashed, squashed flat, stabile, stabilize, stable, stack up with, staid, stalemated, standard, standardize, steadfast, steady, steamroll, steamroller, stereotype, still, still more, straight, straight-cut, straight-front, straight-side, straightforward, streamlined, strict, strictly, strike a balance, suave, subdue, submultiple, subtle, surd, swapped, switched, symmetric, symmetrize, systematic, tabloid, tabular, temperate, the same, third-force, third-world, though, tie, tied, to the letter, touch, traded, tranquil, tranquilize, transcendental, transposed, trodden, trodden flat, true, truly, turn about, unbending, unbent, unbiased, unbowed, unbroken, unchangeable, unchanged, unchanging, uncommitted, uncurved, undeflected, undeviating, undeviatingly, undifferentiated, undistorted, undisturbed, undiversified, undulant, undulatory, unerring, unerringly, uniform, uniform with, uniformize, uninterrupted, uninvolved, unprejudiced, unrough, unroughened, unruffled, unswerving, unturned, unvaried, unvarying, upright, verbally, verbatim, verbatim et litteratim, verily, vertical, warrantable, warranted, wavelike, well-balanced, well-set, well-set-up, wheeling, when, word by word, word for word, yea, yet