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 November of 2022, I became the first Hispanic state senator ever elected in the conservative, rural eastern half of Washington.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That means economic reform is stalled, and the National Assembly already has rebuffed ever so modest gestures toward spending restraint.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. has only ever made the semifinals once — at the inaugural World Cup in 1930 — and has never made the final.

Read more on MarketWatch

Robinson also caught six passes from quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for 68 yards for a total of 238 yards from scrimmage, the most ever for a Falcons running back.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In its extended mission, SPO could climb to 80°, offering the most direct view of the poles ever achieved.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

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