English Reference
adverb

evenly

adv.
US /ˈivənɫi/ UK /ˈiːvənli/ even·ly

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that gives the same amount or space to everyone or everything.

    in a uniform manner of distribution, ensuring equal proportions or quantities across a set.

    Simple

    Make sure you spread the sauce evenly over the pizza base.

    In context

    The inheritance was divided evenly among the three siblings to avoid any potential for family conflict or resentment.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that makes a surface flat or smooth.

    in a manner that creates a level, smooth, or horizontal surface without bumps.

    Simple

    The gardener raked the soil evenly before planting the new seeds.

    In context

    The carpenter sanded the tabletop until the wood felt perfectly smooth and the light reflected evenly across its surface.

    levellysmoothly
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Literary

    in a calm and steady way, especially when speaking.

    in a steady, balanced, or composed manner, often referring to the tone of voice or breathing.

    Simple

    She breathed evenly to stay calm during the difficult interview.

    In context

    Despite the provocative nature of the questioning, the diplomat replied evenly, refusing to let his frustration show through his voice.

    shakilyerratically
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Math

    in a way that can be divided by the number two without any remainder.

    describing a mathematical division that results in a whole number when divided by two.

    Simple

    The number ten can be divided evenly by two.

    In context

    In this equation, the total must be divisible evenly by two for the subsequent logic to hold true.

    Usage

    Usually follows the verb 'divide'.

Usage evenly distribute

The electric current doesn't behave perfectly, either: It doesn't flow evenly across the wire.

Phys.org· 24 Aug 2026

Make no mistake, no party at a UK wide level is popular at the moment, but the scrap appears more evenly matched than it did.

BBC News· 3 Sept 2026

From Middle English evenly, evenliche, from Old English efenlīċe (“evenly, alike, equally”), equivalent to even + -ly.

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

This entry
Origin Old English efenlīċe
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated