Definition of "even" in English

adjective

1. Flat and level.

   • Clear out those rocks. The surface must be even.

2. Without great variation.

   • Despite her fear, she spoke in an even voice.

3. Equal in proportion, quantity, size, etc.

   • The distribution of food must be even.
   • Call it even.

4. (mathematics, not comparable) Of an integer, divisible by two.

   • Four, fourteen and forty are even numbers.

5. (informal) Of a number, convenient for rounding other numbers to; for example, ending in a zero.

6. On equal monetary terms; neither owing nor being owed.

7. (colloquial) On equal terms of a moral sort; quits.

   • You biffed me back at the barn, and I biffed you here—so now we're even.

8. Parallel; on a level; reaching the same limit.

9. (obsolete) Without an irregularity, flaw, or blemish; pure.

10. (obsolete) Associate; fellow; of the same condition.

    • His even servant.

verb

1. (transitive) To make flat and level.

   • We need to even this playing field; the west goal is too low.

2. (transitive, obsolete) To equal or equate; to make the same.

3. (intransitive, obsolete) To be equal.

   • Thrice nine evens twenty seven.

4. (transitive, obsolete) To place in an equal state, as to obligation, or in a state in which nothing is due on either side; to balance, as accounts; to make quits.

   • We need to even the score.

5. (transitive, obsolete) To set right; to complete.

6. (transitive, obsolete) To act up to; to keep pace with.

adverb

1. (archaic) Exactly, just, fully.

   • I fulfilled my instructions even as I had promised.
   • You are leaving tonight? — Even so.
   • This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.

2. In reality; implying an extreme example in the case mentioned, as compared to the implied reality.

   • Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn sometimes.
   • Did you even make it through the front door?
   • That was before I was even born.

3. Emphasizing a comparative.