even
even
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "even" is /ˈiːvən/.
Here's the breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
e /iː/ - as in the "ee" in "feet"
ven /vən/ - as in the "ven" in "seven"
Word Form Variations
Adjective: even, more even, most even
Verb: even (base form), evens (3rd person singular present), evened (past tense, past participle), evening (present participle)
Adverb: even (not typically varied by form)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Having a flat and smooth surface; without variations in height or texture.
Synonyms: flat, smooth, level, uniform
Antonyms: uneven, rough, bumpy, lopsided
Definition 2: Fair and balanced; without favoritism or bias.
Synonyms: impartial, just, equitable, fair
Antonyms: unfair, biased, prejudiced, unequal
Definition 3: (Of a number) Divisible by two without a remainder.
Synonyms: (No direct synonyms in common usage for this specific mathematical sense)
Antonyms: odd
Definition 4: (Of a situation or contest) Presenting an equal chance of success for all participants; balanced in terms of strength or ability.
Synonyms: balanced, equal, competitive, tied
Antonyms: unequal, one-sided, disparate
Verb
Definition 1: To make something flat, smooth, or level.
Synonyms: flatten, smooth, level, regularize
Antonyms: uneven, roughen, unbalance
Definition 2: To make things equal or balanced.
Synonyms: equalize, balance, regularize, adjust
Antonyms: unbalance, disequalize, skew
Adverb
Definition 1: Used to emphasize something unexpected or surprising.
Synonyms: surprisingly, remarkably, indeed, still
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms as it's an intensifier; antonyms would imply a lack of emphasis)
Definition 2: To an extent or degree that is surprising or unexpected; also, to a greater degree than.
Synonyms: also, in addition, besides, furthermore
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms as it's an intensifier)
Definition 3: Used to introduce a more extreme or unlikely example.
Synonyms: including, specifically, particularly
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Examples of Use
Books:
"It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents, even for Scotland, and the wind howled fearfully around the old castle." (Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, October 1847)
"He could not even begin to comprehend the vastness of the universe, a concept that dwarfed all his earthly concerns." (A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking, April 1988)
Newspapers:
"The local council aims to even out the disparities in public services across different neighborhoods." ( The Guardian, May 2024)
"Inflation continues to rise, impacting even essential goods for many families." (The New York Times, June 2024)
Online Publications:
"The new software update promises to even out some of the performance glitches reported by early adopters." ( TechCrunch, July 2024)
"Experts suggest that a consistent sleep schedule can even out your energy levels throughout the day." (Healthline, April 2024)
Various Entertainment Media and Platforms:
Film: "I don't even know where to begin." (Dialogue from Pulp Fiction, October 1994)
Television Series: "We need to make sure the playing field is even for all contestants." (Dialogue from a competition reality show, e.g., America's Got Talent, August 2023)
Music (Song Lyrics): "And even though I'm leaving, I ain't going nowhere." (From "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver, April 1971)
Video Games: "The difficulty settings allow players to even the odds against formidable foes." (Game description for a role-playing game, e.g., Baldur's Gate 3, August 2023)
Podcast: "Our guest today will discuss how to even your financial portfolio in a volatile market." (From a finance podcast, July 2024)
General Public Discourse:
"Can you help me even out this table? It's wobbly." (Spoken conversation, everyday use)
"I was so tired, I couldn't even keep my eyes open." (Spoken conversation, everyday use)
"The score is even at 2-2 with five minutes left in the game." (Commentary during a sports match)
"She didn't even say goodbye before she left." (Complaint in a casual discussion)
10 Quotes Using Even
"It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is even as our preaching." (Francis of Assisi)
"What a man is, so is his strength. As the true kernel of even a stone is its hidden fire, so the true kernel of a man is his indomitable will." (Thomas Carlyle)
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious. I am curious even about things that are not important." (Albert Einstein)
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. Even if you're going through hell, keep going." (Winston Churchill)
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Even in the darkest moments, there is hope." (Martin Luther King Jr.)
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Even if you stumble, you are moving forward." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
"I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship. Even in the strongest winds, I can find my way." (Louisa May Alcott)
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. Even if you don't know why, you will." (Steve Jobs)
"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. Even in the lowest points, there is beauty to be found." (Oscar Wilde)
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Even when challenges arise, keep believing." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
Etymology
The word "even" has a long history, going back to Old English (before 1150 AD). It comes from the Old English word "efn," which meant "flat," "level," or "equal." Imagine a flat piece of ground, with no bumps or dips – that's the core idea.
From this original meaning of being "flat" or "level," the word then developed other related meanings:
Equal or Balanced: If two things are on the same "level," they are equal. This is where we get the idea of an "even score" in a game, or an "even distribution" of something.
Smooth or Uniform: A flat surface is also smooth and uniform, so "even" came to mean without variations or irregularities, like an "even temper" (meaning calm and steady).
Divisible by Two: The mathematical sense of an "even number" (like 2, 4, 6) came about in the 1500s. This likely relates to the idea of being able to divide something into two equal, balanced parts without anything left over.
Later on, in the 16th century, "even" also started being used as an adverb to emphasize something surprising or unexpected. Think of phrases like "Even a child could do it." Here, "even" highlights that something is so simple that someone you wouldn't expect to be able to do it, can. This is a very common use today, but it developed quite a bit later than the original "flat" or "equal" meanings.
So, the word "even" has traveled a long way from simply describing a flat surface to encompassing ideas of fairness, balance, and even surprise!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Even
Even Steven: (Informal) Refers to a situation where things are equal or balanced, often financially.
Get even (with someone): To take revenge on someone for a wrong they have done.
Even the score: To make things equal, especially in a competition or after a disadvantage.
Even out: To become level, smooth, or more consistent. It can also mean to resolve differences.
On an even keel: Steady and balanced, without major ups and downs, especially in a difficult situation.
Even chance: An equal probability of success or failure.
Even so: Despite what has just been said, nevertheless.
Even up: To make something level, equal, or balanced.
Even money: A bet in which the potential winnings are equal to the amount staked.
Even-tempered: Having a calm and steady disposition; not easily angered or upset.
Even-handed: Fair and impartial; treating everyone equally.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of even from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
