even etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English: evene, from Old English efen, efne, eofen
• Proto-Germanic: *ebnaz

Meaning:

• Equal in height, level, or surface
• Smooth, without irregularities
• Regular, balanced, or symmetrical
• Divided or distributed equally
• Without any odd numbers or fractional amounts
• An exact multiple of two
• In an upright or vertical position
• On the same plane or level
• Passable or practicable

Origin:

The word "even" has an Indo-European origin, likely from the Proto-Indo-European root *eph- ("level, even"). This root is also the source of words like "equal" and "equator."

In Old English, the word "efen" originally meant "level" or "smooth." It could also be used as an adverb meaning "equally," "exactly," or "evenly." Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include its current senses of "equal," "regular," and "exact."

In Middle English, the word "evene" began to be used more frequently as an adjective than as an adverb. It also acquired the meaning of "smooth" or "flat." By the 16th century, the word "even" had taken on all of its current meanings.

even relate terms

• evening

  Etymology The word evening originates from the Old English word æfen which means

• even

  Etymology Middle English evene from Old English efen efne eofen Proto Germanic eb

• evening

  Etymology The word evening originates from the Old English word æfen which means

• anent

  Etymology Origin Latin anentem present active participle of aneo to breathe upon Mea

• even

  Etymology Middle English evene from Old English efen efne eofen Proto Germanic eb

• evening

  Etymology The word evening originates from the Old English word æfen which means

• equate

  Etymology From Latin aequus equal facere to make Meaning To make or con

• humbug

  Etymology Humbug derives from the 17th century Dutch word homboeg meaning hoax Me

• still

  Etymology The word still has multiple etymological origins Old English stille me

• equal

  Etymology Old French egal Latin aequālis Proto Indo European h₁éḱwos Meaning

• gloaming

  Etymology Middle English from Old English glōmung glōming of Germanic origin relat

• change

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words

• sunset

  Etymology The word sunset is derived from the Old English phrase sunneset which lit