ever

[ev-er]

adverb

1. at all times; always.

   an ever-present danger; He is ever ready to find fault.

   Synonyms: constantly, perpetually, eternally
   Antonyms: never

2. continuously.

   ever since then.

3. at any time.

   Have you ever seen anything like it?

4. in any possible case; by any chance; at all (often used to intensify or emphasize a phrase or an emotional reaction as surprise or impatience).

   How did you ever manage to do it? If the band ever plays again, we will dance.

adjective

1. South Midland and Southern U.S.,  every.

   She rises early ever morning.

ever

/ ˈɛvə /

adverb

1. at any time

   have you ever seen it?

2. by any chance; in any case

   how did you ever find out?

3. at all times; always

   ever busy

4. in any possible way or manner

   come as fast as ever you can

5. informal,  (intensifier, in the phrases ever so, ever such, and ever such a )

   ever so good

   ever such bad luck

   ever such a waste

6. archaic,  now and then; from time to time

7. slang,  he displays the quality concerned in abundance

Word History and Origins

Origin of ever¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English ǣfre

Word History and Origins

Origin of ever¹

Old English ǣfre, of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. ever and again, now and then; from time to time. Also ever and anon.

2. ever so, to a great extent or degree; exceedingly.

   They were ever so kind to me.

More idioms and phrases containing ever

• hardly ever
• live happily ever after

Synonym Study

See always.

Example Sentences

"In fact, everything we ever see and ever thought of keeps strengthening the argument."

From Science Daily

We asked Israel's army whether its forces had ever used the building or fought there.

From BBC

That puts the pressure on Root more than ever, perhaps, before the series which begins on 21 November.

From BBC

"I don't think there's ever been a reality show on television with a line-up like this," commented BBC Radio 2 breakfast host Scott Mills on Wednesday morning.

From BBC

Craftsman, said Lawlor, is more popular than ever in Pasadena, and nationwide.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consistently 
• constantly 
• continually 
• forever 
• regularly 
• usually