even

²even

adj

Definition of EVEN

1

a : having a horizontal surface : flat <even ground> b : being without break, indentation, or irregularity : smooth c : being in the same plane or line

2

a : free from variation : uniform <his disposition was even> b : level 4

3

a : equal, fair <an even exchange> b (1) : leaving nothing due on either side : square <we will not be even until you repay my visit> (2) : fully revenged c : being in equilibrium : balanced; specifically : showing neither profit nor loss d obsolete : candid

4

a : being any of the integers (as −2, 0, and +2) that are divisible by two without leaving a remainder b : marked by an even number c : being a mathematical function such that f(x) = f(−x) where the value remains unchanged if the sign of the independent variable is reversed

5

: exact, precise <an even dollar>

6

: as likely as not : fifty-fifty <an even chance of winning>

— even·ly adverb

— even·ness \-vən-nəs\ noun

— on an even keel also on even keel

: in a sound or stable condition

Examples of EVEN

1. We finally reached even ground after the long climb.
2. They slowed down and waited for him to draw even.
3. She spoke with a calm, even voice.
4. the even beat of the drum

Origin of EVEN

Middle English, from Old English efen; akin to Old High German eban even

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to EVEN

Synonyms: exact, flat, precise, round

Antonyms: bumpy, coarse, lumpy, rough, uneven, unsmoothed

Related Words: exact, uniform; aligned (also alined), regular, true; horizontal, tabular; plumb, straight, vertical

Near Antonyms: approximate, comparative, near, relative; imprecise

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at level, steady