even

The definition of even is level or fair or divisible by two.

(adjective)

To even something is defined as to make it equal or to make it level or smooth.

(verb)

An example of making something even is to break something in half and give one half to each person.
An example of making a table even is to sand the top of the table to smooth away any high points.

See even in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Origin: ME < OE efne, efen, akin to Ger eben, Goth ibns < ? IE base *yem-, hold together > MIr emon, twins

adverb

Obsolete in an even manner
1. though it may seem improbable; moreover; indeed; fully: even unto death; even a fool could understand
2. exactly; precisely; just; in no other way but: it happened even as I expected
3. just as; while; already: even as he spoke, she entered
4. still; yet: used in emphasizing a comparison: an even worse mistake
5. Archaic namely; particularly: one there was, even John

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to make, become, or be even; level off; equalize or be equalized: often with off, out, or up

Related Forms:

noun

Archaic evening

Origin: see eve

See even in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

a. Having a horizontal surface; flat: an even floor.
b. Having no irregularities, roughness, or indentations; smooth. See Synonyms at level.
c. Being in the same plane or line; parallel: The picture is even with the window.
a. Having no variations or fluctuations; uniform: the even rhythm of his breathing.
b. Of uniform distribution: an even application of varnish.
c. Placid; calm: an even temperament.
a. Equal or identical in degree, extent, or amount: Use even amounts of butter and sugar.
b. Equally matched or balanced: an even fight.
c. Just; fair: an even bargain.
d. Having nothing due on either side; square: If we each take half, then we'll be even.
e. Having exacted full revenge.
Having equal probability; as likely as not: an even chance of winning.
Sports
a. Having an equal score: The teams are even at halftime.
b. Being equal for each opponent. Used of a score.
Mathematics
a. Exactly divisible by 2.
b. Characterized or indicated by a number exactly divisible by 2.
a. Having an even number in a sequence.
b. Having an even number of members.
Having an exact amount, extent, or number; precise: an even pound; an even foot.

adverb

a. To a greater degree or extent. Used as an intensive with comparative adjectives and adverbs: Looked sick and felt even worse.
b. Indeed; moreover. Used as an intensive: He was depressed, even suicidal. Even a child knows better.
c. Used as an intensive to indicate something that is unexpected: declined even to consider the idea.
At the same time as; already; just: Even as we watched, the building collapsed.
To a degree that extends; fully: loyal even unto death.
Exactly; precisely: It was even as he said: the jewel was gone.