ever

ev-er · adverb

imported

Definitions

adverb

  1. 1.

    At any time (used in questions and negatives).

  2. 2.

    At all times; always (in combination with words like "for" or in compounds).

  3. 3.

    Used for emphasis, especially with comparatives.

  4. 4.

    (Informal) Used to express surprise or emphasis in questions.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    ever since — Continuously from that time.
  • •
    ever so — Very; extremely (British).
  • •
    as ever — As always.
  • •
    hardly ever — Almost never.
  • •
    for ever / forever — For all future time; eternally.
  • •
    ever after — For all time following an event.

Related words

Antonyms: never
See also: always, forever, never, whenever
Synonyms: always, at any time

Etymology

From Old English ǣfre ("always, ever"), of uncertain origin, possibly related to ā ("always") + in feore ("in life").