even

e|ven1 [ `ivn ] adverb ***

Even is used for emphasis mainly before a word, a phrase, or a clause beginning with as, if, or though. When emphasizing verbs, even comes before an ordinary verb:

They even served champagne at breakfast. But even comes after an auxiliary verb, a modal verb, or the verb to be :

She doesn't even know his name.

Some computers can even talk to you.

Sometimes even is used after a word for emphasis:

Sɑ̃o Paulo is a huge city, larger even than New York.

The task might be difficult, impossible even.

1. ) used for showing that you are saying something that is surprising:

It always feels cold in this room, even in summer.

Even the dog refused to eat it.

Lucy's face brightened a little she even managed to smile.

not even: He never stopped working, not even at Christmas.

They didn't even offer me a glass of water.

even now (=used for saying it is surprising that something still continues): Even now, after all these years, he cannot mention her name without crying.

even then (=used for saying that something is surprising after what has happened): I sat down and explained the rules to him, but even then he continued to do as he pleased.

2. ) used for emphasizing that although something is big, good, bad, etc., something else is bigger, better, worse, etc.:

She admits things are bad, but argues they were even worse under the previous government.

If anything, local people are treated even more harshly than foreigners.

3. ) used for adding a more extreme word or phrase to emphasize what you have just said:

Her latest novel was very good, maybe even brilliant.

The argument might have ended in violence murder, even.

even as

used for emphasizing that something is happening at exactly the same time as someone is doing or saying something else:

Even as we speak, a ceasefire agreement is being signed in Geneva.

even if

used for emphasizing that although something may happen or may be true, another situation remains the same:

He's determined to prove his innocence, even if he has to go to the highest court in the land.

even so

used for introducing a statement that seems surprising after what you said before:

Crashes are rare, but even so, there should be stricter safety regulations.

even though

used for introducing a fact that makes the main statement in your sentence very surprising:

Most of us ignore this good advice, even though we know it to be true.

Even though I have a master's degree in business administration, I can't fill out my tax form.

even

e|ven 2 [ `ivn ] adjective *

▸ 1 flat and level

▸ 2 not changing

▸ 3 equal

▸ 4 same size

▸ 5 calm

▸ 6 of numbers

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) flat and level, without any holes or raised areas:

the smooth even surface of the snow

The table kept wobbling because the floor wasn't quite even.

─ opposite UNEVEN

2. ) not changing much in rate, level, or amount:

The room should be kept at an even temperature.

He was perfectly relaxed, and his breathing was quiet and even.

─ opposite UNEVEN

3. ) equal in amount:

the need for a more even balance between work and recreation

a ) involving two people or groups who are equal in ability, skill, or achievement:

The first half of the game was a good even contest.

─ opposite UNEVEN

4. ) similar in size and arranged in a level line with equal spaces between:

She smiled, showing her small even teeth.

─ opposite UNEVEN

5. ) calm and controlled:

I think you are mistaken, Theresa said, in an even tone.

6. ) an even number can be divided exactly by two. For example 2, 4, and 6 are even numbers.

─ opposite ODD

be even INFORMAL

if two people are even, neither of them owes the other anything

get/be even (with someone) INFORMAL

to punish or to have punished someone by causing them as much trouble or harm as they have caused you:

I'll get even with him if it's the last thing I do.

have an even chance (of doing something)

to be equally likely to succeed or fail in doing something

=> KEEL1, BREAK1

even

e|ven 3 [ `ivn ] verb transitive

to make the scores level in a game or competition:

Larmer's shot evened the score 50 seconds into the second quarter.

even the score

to punish someone by causing them as much trouble or harm as they have caused you

,even `out phrasal verb intransitive or transitive

1. ) if things even out, or you even them out, they show fewer or smaller changes or differences:

The company saw overseas growth as a way to even out swings in the market.

2. ) to share or divide something equally, or to be shared or divided equally:

We would like to be able to even out the workload more fairly.

,even `up phrasal verb intransitive or transitive

to make something fairer or more equal:

The treatment of the children evened up somewhat when Timmy was given the same spending money as Anne.

even

e|ven 4 [ `ivn ] noun uncount LITERARY

evening