Even
/ˈiːvən/
Definitions
5 meaningsFlat, smooth, or level; without bumps or differences in height.
/ˈiːvən/
Flat or level; without any irregularities.
The surface of the table was perfectly even.
💡 Simply: Imagine a super smooth sidewalk. That's even! Like when you smooth out playdough or get the rug flat.
👶 For kids: Smooth and flat, like when you make your bed nice and flat!
More Examples
Make sure the ground is even before you build the fence.
He walked on the even ground.
The road had an even surface.
How It's Used
"The carpenter ensured the table's surface was even."
"An even number is divisible by two."
Equal in amount, quantity, or degree.
/ˈiːvən/
Equal in number or amount.
The game ended with an even score.
💡 Simply: Imagine two kids sharing cookies. If they each have the same amount, that's even. It's like a tie score in a game.
👶 For kids: The same for everyone, like when you and your friend both have the same number of toys.
More Examples
We split the money even between the three of us.
The two teams had an even number of players.
The teams were evenly matched.
How It's Used
"The score was even at the end of the first half."
"The company's profits were even with the previous year."
A whole number that is exactly divisible by two; not odd.
/ˈiːvən/
Divisible by two.
The number 10 is an even number.
💡 Simply: An even number is a number you can split into two equal groups. Like 2, 4, 6, etc.
👶 For kids: A number that can be split into two equal groups, like 2 or 4.
More Examples
Even numbers are divisible by two.
6, 8, and 12 are all even numbers.
The number 14 is even.
How It's Used
"4, 6, and 8 are even numbers."
Used to emphasize something unexpected, surprising, or that is the extreme case.
/ˈiːvən/
Used to emphasize something surprising or unlikely.
He didn't even bother to look.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'wow!' about something surprising. Like, 'He didn't even try!'
👶 For kids: Saying that something is a bit surprising, like 'I didn't even know it was a secret!'.
More Examples
Even she was surprised by the news.
Even though it was raining, we went outside.
Even if it's hard, you can do it.
How It's Used
"He didn't even call to say he was sorry."
"Even a child could understand this."
To make something flat or level.
/ˈiːvən/
To make something flat or smooth.
She evened the soil before planting the seeds.
💡 Simply: To make something smooth and flat, like smoothing out sand at the beach.
👶 For kids: To make something flat, like when you smooth out playdough.
More Examples
The construction crew evened the road.
They evened out the bumps in the carpet.
He tried to even the surface.
How It's Used
"He evened out the ground before planting the trees."
Idioms & expressions
even if
Regardless of whether; despite the possibility.
"Even if it rains, we're still going to the park."
even so
Nevertheless; despite what has been stated.
"It was raining, even so, we decided to go for a walk."
even Steven
Equal; with no debt or owing.
"We're finally even-Steven after I paid you back."
From Old English *efen*, *emne*, meaning 'level, equal'. Related to German *eben* and Dutch *even*.
The word 'even' has been used in English since Old English times, with roots in words meaning 'level' or 'equal'.
Memory tip
Think of an even road—no potholes, just smooth driving.
Word Origin
"level, equal"