even

English

/ˈiːvən/, /ˈivən/

adj
Definitions
  • Flat and level.
  • Without great variation.
  • Equal in proportion, quantity, size, etc.
  • (not comparable) Divisible by two.
  • (of a number) Convenient for rounding other numbers to; for example, ending in a zero.
  • On equal monetary terms; neither owing nor being owed.
  • (colloquial) On equal terms of a moral sort; quits.
  • parallel; on a level; reaching the same limit.
  • (obsolete) Without an irregularity, flaw, or blemish; pure.
  • (obsolete) Associate; fellow; of the same condition.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English even inherited from Old English efen (level, even, equal) inherited from *ebn inherited from Proto-Germanic *ebnaz (even, level, equal, flat, straight) inherited from Proto-Indo-European *h₁émnos, *(h₁)em-no- (level, flat, straight, even, equal) inherited from Middle English evenen inherited from Old English efnan inherited from Middle English evene inherited from Old English efne.

Origin

Old English

efne

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms