even
even — verb
1. to change the amounts, levels, or scores of two or more things until they are th
to change the amounts, levels, or scores of two or more things until they are the same, usually by reducing the difference between them
Christopher scored a late goal to even the match at two goals apiece.
bare even + score in sports context
The government plans to even out the differences in school funding between city and country areas.
phrasal verb: even out + differences
Ayesha made an extra payment to even up what she still owed on the loan.
phrasal verb: even up + debt or payment
After sanding the wood carefully, the surface was finally evened.
passive form: surface was evened
Mert and his brother split the prize money to even things between them.
collocation: even things [between people]
- even out the differences
- even up the score
- even things between
- even the balance
- balance
focuses on achieving equilibrium between two sides, often financial or physical
- level
emphasises making a surface flat or removing height differences; more physical than 'even'
- equalize
more formal or technical; common in sports and statistics
- square
informal, often implies settling a debt or score completely
Grammar Patterns
even + noun phrase
even out + noun phrase
even up + noun phrase
even off + noun phrase
Usage Note
The verb 'even' rarely stands alone without a particle in everyday speech. 'Even out' works for differences, variations, or distributions. 'Even up' is common for debts, scores, or payments. The bare form appears in fixed expressions like 'even the score'.
Common Mistakes
even — noun
1. a literary or old-fashioned word for the period at the end of the day when the l
a literary or old-fashioned word for the period at the end of the day when the light fades and night begins.
Salma enjoyed the cool of the even after a long day in the fields.
collocation: the cool of the even
The quiet even settled over the village as Ritu lit the lamps.
Mei-Lin sat on the porch and watched the quiet even settle over the garden.
noun: the quiet even — literary use for evening
Dario walked through the still even, with only the stars above him.
- the cool of the even
- the still even
- the quiet even
- from morn to even
Usage Note
In everyday modern English, 'evening' is the standard word for this time. The shorter form 'even' is mainly found in poetry, older literature, and a few traditional fixed phrases such as 'from morn to even'.
Common Mistakes
even — adjective
1. Describes a surface with no bumps or dips, or describes two things positioned so
Describes a surface with no bumps or dips, or describes two things positioned so that neither is higher or lower than the other.
Before laying the tiles, Christopher checked that the floor was completely even.
even surface (of a floor)
The top of the shelf needs to be even with the edge of the table.
even with + noun phrase
Apinya spread butter in a thin, even layer across the slice of bread.
An even sidewalk is important for people who use wheelchairs.
- even surface
- even floor
- even layer
- even ground
- even with
- uneven
the direct opposite — not flat or not at the same height
Grammar Patterns
even + noun (surface, floor, layer)
even with + noun
Common Mistakes
2. Continuing at the same steady level, speed, or quality without sudden changes, r
Continuing at the same steady level, speed, or quality without sudden changes, rises, or falls.
The old car's engine made a soft, even sound as it idled in the driveway.
even sound (steady, unchanging)
Gabriel kept an even pace throughout the ten-kilometre run and finished strong.
even pace (steady speed)
The room temperature stayed even all night, thanks to the new thermostat.
The nurse listened to the baby's breathing and was glad it was slow and even.
- even pace
- even voice
- even temperature
- even breathing
- even sound
Grammar Patterns
even + noun (pace, voice, temperature, breathing)
Usage Note
Frequently used with nouns describing measurable qualities such as sound, speed, temperature, or breathing.
3. Used when two amounts, scores, or sides are exactly the same, with neither side
Used when two amounts, scores, or sides are exactly the same, with neither side having more or being ahead of the other.
At half-time, the scores were even at two goals each.
even scores (tied in a game)
The two teams were evenly matched, and the game stayed close until the final whistle.
Cyrus divided the pizza into even slices so that everyone got the same amount.
The election results showed an even split between the two main parties.
even split (equal division)
- even score
- even match
- even split
- even contest
- even division
Grammar Patterns
even + between/among (people/teams)
even + (noun) split/division
4. Describes a situation where the two possible outcomes are equally likely — a 50%
Describes a situation where the two possible outcomes are equally likely — a 50% chance that something will happen and a 50% chance that it will not.
The doctor said the patient's chances of a full recovery were about even.
even chances (50/50 likelihood)
With the weather so unpredictable, the odds of rain tomorrow are about even.
The election is too close to call — both candidates have an even chance of winning.
Lan told her friend the bet was unfair because the odds were not even.
- even chance
- even odds
- even money
- fifty-fifty
informal; expresses the same idea in everyday conversation
Grammar Patterns
even + chance / even + odds
even to + infinitive
Usage Note
Commonly appears in the fixed phrases 'an even chance' and 'even odds'. Unlike sense 3 (equal scores), this sense is about probability, not about amounts that can be counted.
5. In betting, describes odds where a winning bet pays back double the amount you r
In betting, describes odds where a winning bet pays back double the amount you risked, because the two possible outcomes are seen as equally likely.
The bookmaker offered even odds on the match because both teams had equal strength.
even odds (gambling term for 1:1 payout)
Mauricio placed an even-money bet on his favourite horse before the race began.
At even odds, a ten-dollar bet would earn you ten dollars in profit.
Many gamblers look for even-money bets because they feel the chances are fair.
- even money
- even odds
- even-money bet
Grammar Patterns
even + money / even + odds (betting terms)
Usage Note
Almost exclusively used in betting and gambling contexts. Outside of that domain, use sense 4 (fifty-fifty) instead.
6. Any integer you can split into two equal groups with nothing left over — such as
Any integer you can split into two equal groups with nothing left over — such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or any number whose final digit is 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8.
The teacher asked the children to count only the even numbers from one to twenty.
even numbers (divisible by two)
Élise noticed that her house number, 24, was even, while her friend's house was number 25.
All even numbers end in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 — that is the easiest way to check.
You can decide if a large number is even by checking its last digit.
- even number
- even digit
- even integer
- odd
numbers that cannot be divided by two without a remainder (e.g. 1, 3, 5, 7)
Grammar Patterns
even + number / even + integer
Usage Note
The opposite of 'even' in this sense is 'odd'. Zero (0) is considered an even number because 0 ÷ 2 = 0 with no remainder.
Common Mistakes
even — adverb
1. used to draw attention to a fact that seems surprising or extreme, especially wh
used to draw attention to a fact that seems surprising or extreme, especially when it applies to a person or situation you would least expect it to
Even Christopher, who never cries, started tearing up at the end of the film.
even + noun — highlighting an unexpected subject
The curry was so hot that even Lakan, who loves spicy food, could not finish it.
Samir searched everywhere for his keys but could not even remember where he left them.
not even + verb — emphasising a lack of action
The puzzle was so simple that even a five-year-old child could solve it quickly.
Common Mistakes
2. used with 'as' to mean that one thing happens at exactly the same moment as some
used with 'as' to mean that one thing happens at exactly the same moment as something else
Even as the fire alarm went off, Élise stayed calmly at her desk finishing her report.
even as — two simultaneous events
The sun dipped behind the mountains even as the last bus pulled away from the station.
Hui began to apologise, but even as she spoke, the taxi driver shook his head and drove off.
Yuki tried to catch the vase, but even as her fingers touched it, the vase hit the floor.
- even as
Usage Note
Almost always followed by 'as' to introduce a clause describing the second event.
Common Mistakes
3. used with 'if' to say that a particular situation or fact does not change the re
used with 'if' to say that a particular situation or fact does not change the result or outcome
We will go for a hike this weekend even if it rains all day on Saturday.
even if — result unchanged by condition
Zayd promised to help us move the furniture even if it took the whole afternoon.
Even if you do not agree with the decision, you must still follow the rules of the club.
Lucía decided to run the marathon even if her knee still hurt from the last race.
- even if
- whether or not
more wordy but can replace 'even if' in many contexts
Usage Note
Use 'even if' (not 'even though') when the condition is hypothetical or uncertain. Compare to sense 6, which introduces a known fact.
Common Mistakes
4. used when saying that something happens or is true in spite of a particular obst
used when saying that something happens or is true in spite of a particular obstacle or difficulty
The band continued to play even with the power cut halfway through the show.
even with + noun phrase — despite an obstacle
Even after so many years apart, the two friends recognised each other instantly at the airport.
Ari kept training for the competition even when her coach told her to rest for a week.
The garden looked beautiful even in the middle of winter when no flowers were blooming.
- even with
- even after
- even in
Usage Note
Followed by a noun phrase (with, after, in) rather than a full clause. For a full concessive clause, use sense 6 (even though) or sense 3 (even if).
Common Mistakes
5. used to begin a statement that offers a contrasting point to the idea you have j
used to begin a statement that offers a contrasting point to the idea you have just expressed, similar in meaning to 'nonetheless'
The weather forecast said it would rain all week. Even so, we packed our bags and left for the beach.
even so — contrast with previous statement
Yumi had never cooked Thai food before. Even so, the dinner she prepared was absolutely delicious.
Wren failed the driving test twice. Even so, she signed up for a third attempt the next morning.
The film got terrible reviews from the critics. Even so, it became the most popular movie of the summer.
- nonetheless
more formal, same meaning
- nevertheless
slightly more formal, common in written English
Usage Note
Always begins a new sentence or clause that refers back to a previous statement. Do not confuse with sense 4 (even with) or sense 6 (even though), which connect within a single sentence.
Common Mistakes
6. used to introduce a real situation that makes what you say in the main clause se
used to introduce a real situation that makes what you say in the main clause seem unexpected or contradictory
Even though the restaurant had just opened, every table was already full of customers.
even though — concessive clause with known fact
Zola stayed up late to finish the project even though she had an early meeting the next day.
Cole bought the old guitar even though three of its strings were broken and missing.
The puppy followed Jin everywhere even though he told it to stay in the kitchen.
Usage Note
Use 'even though' (not 'even if') when the fact is known to be true. Compare to sense 3, which uses 'even if' for hypothetical conditions.
Common Mistakes
7. used before a comparative adjective or adverb to make the difference larger or m
used before a comparative adjective or adverb to make the difference larger or more noticeable — for example, saying that a task is even harder than expected, or that someone can run even faster with practice.
The second test was even harder than the first one, surprising everyone in the class.
even + comparative adjective (harder)
After weeks of practice, Christopher could run even faster than his older brother.
even + comparative adverb (faster)
This phone costs even more than the old model, but the camera is far better.
The weather forecast says tomorrow will be even colder, so bring a thick coat.
Minh found the advanced maths course even less interesting than the beginner class.
even less + comparative adjective
- even better
- even worse
- even more important
- even faster
- even harder
- even less
Grammar Patterns
even + comparative (adjective/adverb)
even more/less + adjective
Usage Note
This sense of 'even' must be placed immediately before the comparative word or the 'more/less' phrase it modifies. It does not work with positive (non-comparative) forms of adjectives — 'even good' is incorrect; use 'even better' instead.
Common Mistakes
8. adds a word or phrase that is stronger or more accurate than the one you just us
adds a word or phrase that is stronger or more accurate than the one you just used — for instance, after saying a guest seemed annoyed, adding 'or even furious' to sharpen the description.
Eitan was unhappy with the result, or even angry, when he saw the final score.
or even [stronger adjective]
Some visitors stay a week, or even a whole month, at that small beach hotel.
or even [longer time period]
The medicine helped with the pain, or even cured it completely within two days.
Darius described the film as boring, or even unwatchable, which was quite a harsh review.
or even [stronger word for emphasis]
Many people in town knew the mayor well, or even considered her a personal friend.
- or even
- and even
Grammar Patterns
or even + [stronger word/phrase]
, even + [more precise term]
Usage Note
In this sense, 'even' is not adding a completely new idea but sharpening or upgrading the previous one. The phrase before and after 'even' should belong to the same category (e.g., two adjectives describing the same thing, or two durations of time).
9. in a way that is complete, equal, or reaches a level state — used in fixed expre
in a way that is complete, equal, or reaches a level state — used in fixed expressions such as a business that breaks even (neither gains nor loses money), a surface that is even with another (at the same height), or scores that finish even (equal).
After two years of losses, the small shop finally broke even last month.
break even — have neither profit nor loss
The old stone wall was cut even with the floor to create a smooth surface.
even with [surface] — level with
Yuki cut the vegetables even, so they would all cook at the same speed.
adverb: cut even — in an equal / level manner
The two teams finished the season even, each with forty points.
finish even — end with equal scores
Stefan held the picture frame until it was even with the edge of the table.
- break even
- even with
- get even
- finish even
- completely
broader in use and not restricted to fixed phrases; works with any past participle
- level
an adjective rather than adverb, used in 'level with' to mean the same as 'even with'
- square
informal synonym in the context of debts or scores ('we're square' = we are even)
- unevenly
opposite of 'even' in terms of level or distribution
Grammar Patterns
break even
even with [noun]
get even (with someone)
Usage Note
This sense is much less productive than the other adverb senses — it mainly survives in a set of fixed expressions ('break even', 'even with', 'get even', 'on an even keel'). Learners should memorise these phrases as whole units rather than trying to create new combinations with 'even' meaning 'completely'.
Common Mistakes
even as
idiomAt the exact moment when something else is happening.
Even as the rain started, Maya opened her umbrella.
The phone rang even as he walked through the door.
even if
idiomUsed to say that something will happen no matter what the situation is.
Even if it snows, we will still go hiking.
Brian will finish the race even if he is tired.
even now/then
idiomDespite what has happened or is happening.
Even now, after all these years, she remembers his name.
He apologized, but even then she was still angry.
even so
idiomUsed to introduce a fact that makes what you have just said less surprising.
The movie was long; even so, I enjoyed it.
Sara was late, but even so, she finished the test.
even though/if
idiomUsed to say that something is true despite something else.
Even though it was cold, Diego wore shorts.
I trust her even if she makes mistakes.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: adjective/1
The word "even" carries one core idea — sameness of level, amount, or quality — that stretches across all its parts of speech. As an adjective in sense 1 (FLAT OR LEVEL), "even" describes a surface with no bumps, close to "flat" but with the extra hint that different points are at the same height. "Flat" focuses purely on the absence of bumps (a flat tyre), while "level" checks whether a surface is horizontal (a level shelf). "Smooth" brings touch into it — a smooth surface feels even to the hand, but a smooth road can still slope. In sense 2 (REGULAR / STEADY), "even" shifts from space to time: an even heartbeat keeps a steady rhythm. "Steady" is the closest synonym here, though "steady" also suggests reliability (a steady job) whereas "even" stays focused on the lack of change. In sense 3 (EQUAL / TIED), "even" describes scores or shares that match. "Equal" is broader (equal rights) while "even" is more concrete (even split). Across all three adjective senses — and into the verb sense of making amounts equal — "even" always points back to things being on the same level.
Common collocations
Etymology
The word "even" comes from Old English efen, which meant "level," "equal," or "like." This goes back to the Proto-Germanic root *ebnaz, with relatives in Old Saxon efan, Old High German eban, Old Norse jafn, and Gothic ibns. Further back, these trace to the Proto-Indo-European root *em-, meaning "to take" or "to distribute" — the idea being that something "even" has been fairly dealt or spread out. The adverb uses ("even more," "even though") developed later in Middle English from the adjective sense of "exactly" or "precisely."