26984 words

evens

26 definitions • 45 examples
1
used to show that something is surprising, unusual, unexpected, or extreme:

Examples:

I don't even know where it is.
Everyone I know likes the smell of bacon - even Mike does and he's a vegetarian.
We were all on time - even Chris and he's usually late for everything.
It's a very difficult job - it might even take a year to finish it.
"I never cry." "Not even when you hurt yourself really badly?"
Even with a load of electronic gadgetry, you still need some musical ability to write a successful song.
2
at the same time as:

Examples:

I tried to reason with him, but even as I started to explain what had happened he stood up to leave.
3
used to say that if something is the case or not, the result is the same:

Examples:

Even if you take a taxi, you'll still miss your train.
4
despite something:

Examples:

I've thought about it so much, but even now I can't believe how lucky I was to survive the accident.
5
despite what has just been said:

Examples:

I had a terrible headache, but even so I went to the concert.
6
although:

Examples:

Even though he left school at 16, he still managed to become prime minister.
7
used to emphasize a comparison:

Examples:

The next 36 hours will be even colder with snow showers becoming more widespread.
Any devaluation of the pound would make it even more difficult to keep inflation low.
8
used when you want to be more exact or detailed about something you have just said:

Examples:

I find some of his habits somewhat unpleasant, disgusting even.
She has always been very kind to me, even generous on occasion.
9
flat and smooth, or on the same level:

Examples:

We resurfaced the floor because it wasn't even.
10

Examples:

You should try to work at an even rate instead of taking it easy one day and working flat out the next.
11

Examples:

Both sides played well - it was a very even contest.
Halfway through the tournament they were even, but then Woods drew ahead.
12
equally likely to happen as to not happen:

Examples:

The chances of her getting the job are about evens.
the odds are even On a coin toss, the odds are even.
He puts the odds (= chances) of escaping at better than even.
13
used to refer to a situation in which you risk money on something where the risk is equally balanced, and will pay back twice the amount of money that is paid if it is successful:

Examples:

an even bet
even money If I were betting I'd take even money on United.
14
forming a whole number that can be divided exactly by two:

Examples:

6 is an even number and 7 is an odd number.
15
to make two things equal:

Examples:

The new help for female-owned businesses should help to even things a little.
That result evens the series at two games apiece.
even the score United pressed forward in an attempt to even the score.
16

Examples:

The class has a pretty even mix of boys and girls.
I bought the tickets, so if you pay for dinner we’ll be even (= you will not owe me any money).
17

Examples:

We walked at an even pace.
18
flat and smooth, or on the same level:

Examples:

The snow was even with the kitchen doorstep.
19
(of numbers) able to be exactly divided by two:

Examples:

The result should be an even number.
20
used to emphasize a comparison or the unexpected or extreme characteristic of something:

Examples:

Even smart people can make mistakes.
She never cried – not even when she was badly hurt.
Even with a good education, you need some common sense to get ahead.
The new service is one of the most useful and popular on the Web. Even better, it's free to use.
21
used when you want to be more exact or detailed about something you have just said:

Examples:

I’d like to get a place in the Rocky Mountains, maybe Colorado or Montana – Idaho even.
22
to make equal:

Examples:

[ T ] Tonight’s win evens their record at 6-6.
[ M ] They won the next night to even up the score.
[ M ] Taking me to the movies isn’t going to even things out.
23

Examples:

an even rate/pace Share prices are continuing to rise at an even rate.
24
fair and equal:

Examples:

an even trade/deal Both parties considered the exchange an even trade, with each property valued at $1.7 million.
25
used to describe a number that ends in 0, not more or less than that number:

Examples:

"Will you sell it for $45?" "Make it an even fifty and you got a deal."
26
able to stay even and regular, and not change suddenly:

Examples:

get back/stay/keep on an even keel Investors are hoping the new board will help share prices get back on an even keel.

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