even

A whole number that can be divided by two without leaving anything over.

• Six is an even number.
• Write the even numbers in this box.
• Is the final digit odd or even?

Opposites: odd

Common phrases: even number, even integer, even digit

Flat and level, with no raised or lower areas.

• The floor is smooth and even.
• We need even ground for the tent.
• Check that the shelf is even with the window ledge.

How to use it: even with something (The new paving is even with the doorstep.)

Similar words: level, flat, smooth

Opposites: uneven

Common phrases: even surface, even ground, even with something

Staying almost the same, without sudden changes in strength, speed, or feeling.

• She spoke in an even voice.
• We walked at an even pace.
• The oven keeps the heat even throughout cooking.

Similar words: steady, regular, constant, uniform

Opposites: uneven, irregular

Common phrases: even voice, even pace, even temperature

To make differences smaller so that amounts, levels, or surfaces become equal or smoother.

• Their late goal evened the score.
• Spread the paint to even out the color.
• We added another chair to even up the two rows.

How to use it: even something out/up (Moving two players will even the teams up.)

Similar words: equalize, balance, level

Common phrases: even the score, even something out, even something up

To make a surface flat and level by removing bumps or filling low places.

• We need to even the ground.
• He evened the sand with a board.
• Have you evened out the surface yet?

How to use it: even something out (Use a rake to even the soil out.)

Similar words: level, flatten, smooth

Common phrases: even the ground, even something out, even the surface

To settle a problem or disagreement so that people are satisfied again.

• We need to even this problem out.
• She evened things out between the two neighbors.
• After a long talk, they evened it all out.

How to use it: even something out (We talked to both sides and evened the problem out.)

Similar words: resolve, settle, sort out

Common phrases: even something out, even it out

Used to show that something is true although it is surprising or seems unlikely.

• Even Dad liked the film.
• She didn't even say goodbye.
• Everyone was invited, even our new neighbors.

How to use it: even + surprising person/thing/action (Even my quiet brother joined the singing.)

Common phrases: even a child, even once, not even, even at home

A whole number that can be divided by two with nothing left over.

• Six is an even.
• Put the evens in the left column.
• There are three odds and two evens in this list.

Similar words: even number

Opposites: odd

Common phrases: an even, each even, pick an even