- 1 smooth, level and flat You need an even surface to work on. opposite uneven Oxford Collocations Dictionary verbsbe, look adverbvery, absolutely, completely, … See full entry not changing
- 2 not changing very much in amount, speed, etc. an even temperature all year Children do not learn at an even pace. opposite uneven Oxford Collocations Dictionary verbsbe, become, keep something, … adverbvery, absolutely, completely, … See full entry equal
- 3 (of an amount of something) equal or the same for each person, team, place, etc. Our scores are now even. the even distribution of food opposite uneven Oxford Collocations Dictionary verbsbe, seem, remain, … adverbvery, fairly, more or less, … See full entry
- 4 (of two people or teams) equally balanced or of an equal standard an even contest The two players were pretty even. opposite uneven Oxford Collocations Dictionary verbsbe, seem, remain, … adverbvery, fairly, more or less, … See full entry numbers
- 5 that can be divided exactly by two 4, 6, 8, 10 are all even numbers. opposite odd same size
- 6equally spaced and the same size even features/teeth opposite uneven Oxford Collocations Dictionary verbsbe, become, keep something, … adverbvery, absolutely, completely, … See full entry calm
- 7calm; not changing or becoming upset She has a very even temperament. He spoke in a steady, even voice. Nothing disturbed the even tenor of our life. Word OriginOld English efen (adjective), efne (adverb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch even, effen and German eben.Extra examples The floor isn’t completely even. The scores remained more or less even throughout the competition. Try to keep the room at a fairly even temperature. Try to keep your stitches absolutely even. The political goal was a more even distribution of wealth. The scores were even at 2–2. There is a more even division in the contest for the deputy leadership. This seems to be a more even contest. Try to keep your baby’s room at an even temperature. Until then the match looked fairly even.Idioms (informal) to no longer owe somebody money or a favour If I pay for the meals then we’re even. See related entries: Running a business
smooth/level
(informal) to cause somebody the same amount of trouble or harm as they have caused you I'll get even with you for this, just you wait.
to complete a piece of business, etc. without either losing money or making a profit The company just about broke even last year.
to be equally likely to do or not do something She has more than an even chance of winning tomorrow. There’s an even chance that the jury will find him guilty.
no particular person, team, etc. is doing better than the others in a competition, an argument, etc.
living, working or happening in a calm way, with no sudden changes, especially after a difficult time Business is now back on an even keel after the postal strike. Setting her life back on an even keel after their break-up had been incredibly difficult.
Check pronunciation: even
