ever

[ ev-er ]

adverb

1. at all times; always:

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

   Synonyms: constantly, eternally, perpetually

   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 such a waste

   ever such bad luck

   ever so good

6. ever and again or ever and anon archaic.
   now and then; from time to time
7. is he ever! 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 Literary, 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

In addition to the idiom beginning with ever , also see hardly ever ; live happily ever after .

Synonym Study

See always.

Example Sentences

But then it's as if the cool girl was also the nicest person you've ever met, which makes it even better.

From Salon

I feel like the people who are from L.A. are embracing it more than ever because there is a lot to be prideful about.

From Los Angeles Times

She said she was asked to run 44 samples without ever having completed a practice run.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s just one of the most awesome things I’ve ever done.”

From Los Angeles Times

Those are the only gerrymanders Fox News or the New York Post will ever tell you about.

From Salon

Related Words

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