ever

adverb

ev·​er ˈe-vər 

1

: always

ever striving to improve

the ever-increasing population

2

a

: at any time

more than ever before

b

: in any way

how can I ever thank you

3

—used as an intensive

looks ever so angry

am I ever happy to see you

Phrases

ever and anon

: from time to time : occasionally

Synonyms

• always
• aye
• ay
• e'er
• eternally
• everlastingly
• evermore
• forever
• forevermore
• indelibly
• permanently
• perpetually

Examples of ever in a Sentence

The crime rate is higher now than it has ever been.

He's forgotten all he's ever learned about history.

Have you ever been to France?

She's doing fine and is as pretty as ever.

No one has ever seen a better example of woodwork.

Has this ever been done before?

Did it ever occur to you that I might like more myself?

That was the worst movie I ever saw.

Technology in recent years has become ever more sophisticated.

The deadline draws ever closer.

Recent Examples on the Web

With Shondaland’s signature flair and Paul William Davies’ sharp script, the show moves fast, keeps you guessing, and lets its ensemble shine without ever losing its center. —Okla Jones, Essence, 30 Mar. 2025

No family should ever have to endure the tragic nightmare of losing a beloved child. —Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025

That’s by far the highest total ever, eclipsing the 25 units the ACC won in 2016. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 30 Mar. 2025

That was the last text message that Christy or Hilda ever sent. —Jonathan Vigliotti, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English ǣfre

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ever

• as ever
• ever after
• ever changing
• ever since
• ever so
• ever so slightly
• ever such
• hardly ever
• if it's the last thing someone (ever) does
• lived happily ever after
• live happily ever after
• never ever
• rarely/seldom ever
• rarely/seldom if ever
• Yours ever

Rhymes for ever

• bever
• clever
• haver
• lever
• never
• rever
• sever
• cantilever
• howsoever
• whatsoever
• whensoever
• wheresoever

Kids Definition

ever

adverb

ev·​er ˈev-ər 

1

: at all times : always

ever faithful

2

a

: at any time

has this ever been done before

b

: in any way : at all

how can I ever thank you

3

—used especially with so to give more force to a word

thank you ever so much