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 on this trek he had lost his pack and was at the mercy of the elements ever since, hungry, dehydrated and shivering under a bed of needles.

From Los Angeles Times

Cadw said this year could see the highest ever number of reported crimes of damage and vandalism at some of Wales' ancient sites.

From BBC

“Out of every shop window, every bar, you could hear Oasis, and they sounded better than they ever have.”

From Los Angeles Times

It feels a little too carefully arranged to ever truly get under your skin as a modern-day affair about disillusioned hearts.

From Los Angeles Times

"There's nothing anti-competitive in providing services for ad buyers and sellers, and there are more alternatives to our services than ever before."

From BBC

Related Words

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