# even

/ˈivɪn/ (US) · /ˈiːvən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/even
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He is so tall that he can even touch the ceiling.
- The weather was so cold that even the lake in the center of the city froze solid.
- The evidence was so overwhelming that even the most skeptical members of the committee were forced to admit that the theory held merit.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He even is taller than his father." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.