English Reference
Noun

even

n. degree
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US /ˈivɪn/ UK /ˈiːvən/ even UK spelling evens Mathematics

n.used to emphasize that something is surprising or more than you expected. You use it when you want to show that even the most unlikely thing is true.

n.used to emphasize something that is unexpected or surprising in comparison to other things. Functions as a focusing adverb that highlights an extreme case within a context.


SIMPLE

He is so tall that he can even touch the ceiling.

CONTEXTUAL

The weather was so cold that even the lake in the center of the city froze solid.

COMPLEX

The evidence was so overwhelming that even the most skeptical members of the committee were forced to admit that the theory held merit.

Usage

Typically placed before the word or phrase it emphasizes; when modifying a verb, it usually sits before the main verb or after the first auxiliary.

Pitfall
He even is taller than his father.He is even taller than his father.

When used for emphasis with the verb 'to be', the adverb should follow the verb rather than precede it.

She said she even visited a local hospital to see if the teen was there.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

We don’t even know each other’s names,” Víctor says.

UN News· 13 Aug 2026

Borrowed from Russian эве́н (evén), from Even эвэн (əwən). Compare Evenki.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin eve эвэн
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated