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

"But our stunt coordinator did an amazing job as always, and none of these systems were ever needed. Just wanted to be transparent with you all since I saw some concern!"

From BBC

Zach says it can be a lot of pressure to portray a role such as Tanjiro, who he describes as "the hardest character" he has ever had to portray.

From BBC

British people are far too polite to ever tell the truth about anything, which makes us all potential murderers.

From Los Angeles Times

Has any great leader ever referenced hotel shampoo when asked for details about their leadership strategy?

From BBC

The party trumpeted itself as "the natural party of business" and Rachel Reeves told anyone and everyone that this would be "the most pro-business government this country has ever seen".

From BBC

Related Words

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