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ever

EV-ur/ˈɛvɚ/EV-uh/ˈɛvə/

6 meanings of ever

Practice

  1. 1
    adverb
    At any time in the past, present, or future.

    Do you ever take the bus to work?

    If you ever feel lost, just ask someone for help.

    UsageCommon in questions and if sentences: Have you ever been to Paris? If you ever need help, call.

    Oppositenever

  2. 2
    adverb
    All the time, or more and more, as in ever higher or ever-changing.

    As the storm came closer, the wind grew ever stronger.

    Our town has an ever-growing number of coffee shops.

    Similarsteadily, constantly

  3. 3
    alwaysadverbliteraryformal
    Always, or lasting for all time.

    The two friends promised to stay ever true to each other.

    Kane picked up the ball 25 yards out with 18 minutes left before proving he is ever the opportunist by flashing a dipping swerving drive beyond the deceived Szczesny.
    2021, Phil McNulty, “Poland 1-1 England”Here, ever means always, so he is always looking for a chance to score.

    UsageToday people usually say always instead.

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    stressing a questionadverbcolloquial
    Used after a question word, or in an excited sentence shaped like a question, to add strong feeling.

    Why ever did you do that?

    How ever did you get here so fast?

    UsageDid I ever! means yes, very much.

  2. 5
    each onedeterminerdialectal
    A local way of saying 'every,' used before a noun.

    He goes fishing ever weekend.

    They sit down to supper together ever night.

    UsageIn normal writing, say every.

    Similarevery, each

    Note
  3. 6
    adjective
    Describing someone who has done a thing at least one time, even just once.

Practice

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Origin

From Old English ǣfre. It probably began as a phrase built from ā, meaning "ever" or "always," plus "in," plus a part that may have come from a word meaning "life."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts

  • Ever derives from Old English ǣfre. en.wiktionary.org
  • The proposed original phrase combines ā, meaning “ever” or “always,” with “in” and a possible element meaning “life.” en.wiktionary.org