every

[ev-ree]

adjective

1. being one of a group or series taken collectively; each.

   We go there every day.

2. all possible; the greatest possible degree of.

   every prospect of success.

every

/ ˈɛvrɪ /

determiner

1. each one (of the class specified), without exception

   every child knows it

2. (not used with a negative) the greatest or best possible

   every hope of success

3. each: used before a noun phrase to indicate the recurrent, intermittent, or serial nature of a thing

   every third day

   every now and then

   every so often

4. (used in comparisons with as) quite; just; equally

   every bit as funny as the other show

5. each alternate; every second

   every other day

6. 1. in all directions; everywhere

      I looked every which way for you

   2. from all sides

      stones coming at me every which way

Word History and Origins

Origin of every¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English every, everich, Old English ǣfre ǣlc, literally “ever each” (the first element of the phrase reinforcing the second); ever ( def. ), each

Word History and Origins

Origin of every¹

C15 everich, from Old English ǣfre ǣlc, from ǣfre _ever + ǣlc _each

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. every bit, in every respect; completely.

   This is every bit as good as she says it is.

2. every which way, in all directions; in disorganized fashion.

   I brushed against the table, and the cards fell every which way.

3. every now and then, on occasion; from time to time: Also every once in a while, every so often.

   She bakes her own bread every now and then.

4. every other, every second; every alternate.

   milk deliveries every other day.

More idioms and phrases containing every

• at every turn
• each and every
• finger in the (every) pie
• living soul, every
• nook and cranny, every

Synonym Study

See each.

Example Sentences

And like most every military drama, it gathers diverse types into a not necessarily close-knit group.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It is also calling on the department to review the rules policy every two years.

Read more on BBC

Snoeijs is healthy now, aside from a few niggling hip injuries, and her heart is screened every few years.

Read more on BBC

The encouraging news, however, is a 10-point tally would have ensured second place in every group.

Read more on BBC

The number of pubs in the UK has steadily decreased every year since 2000, according to the British Beer and Pub Association.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• all