Etimology
From Middle English ever, from Old English ǣfre, originally a phrase whose first element undoubtedly consists of Old English ā (“ever, always”) + in (“in”) + an element possibly from feorh (“life, existence”) (dative fēore). Compare Old English ā tō fēore (“ever in life”), Old English feorhlīf (“life”).
adverb
ever (not comparable)
Always, frequently, forever.
Continuously, constantly, all the time (for the complete duration).
At any time.
(informal) As intensifier following an interrogative word.
Examples
It was ever thus.
[…] the Lord Treasurer, who ever secretly feigned himself to be a Moderator and Mollifier of the Catholicks Afflictions […]
Let us ever remember that our conception, our comprehension, our feeling of God must be ever imperfect, yet should be ever advancing. We must not make God: we must find Him and feel Him more and more.
“A tight little craft,” was Austin’s invariable comment on the matron; […]. ¶ Near her wandered her husband, orientally bland, invariably affable, and from time to time squinting sideways, as usual, in the ever-renewed expectation that he might catch a glimpse of his stiff, retroussé moustache.
The library staffs of the Karaton Surakarta's Sasana Pustaka, the Mangku- nagaran's Reksa Pustaka, and the Museum Radyapustaka were ever helpful and generous with their time.
As with the rest of macroeconomics, the issues have to be rethought in a way that makes the ever-imperfect knowledge of market participants and policymakers an integral part of the analysis.
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.
People struggled to cope with the ever-increasing cost of living.
For what seemed ages piled on ages, I lay there, frozen with the most awful fears, not daring to drag away my hand; yet ever thinking that if I could but stir it one single inch, the horrid spell would be broken.
If that ever happens, we’re in deep trouble.
This is one of the best movies ever.
He's back and better than ever.
We've only ever talked on the phone.
Now all this was very fine, but not at all in keeping with the Celebrity's character as I had come to conceive it. The idea that adulation ever cloyed on him was ludicrous in itself. In fact I thought the whole story fishy, and came very near to saying so.
He said the study provides clear evidence that AI technologies are growing at a faster rate than ever and will continue to do so.
Audio
Was I ever glad to see you!
Did I ever!
Related words
synonyms
(always): See Thesaurus:forever
(at any time):
(in any way):
(intensifier): See Thesaurus:the dickens
antonyms
(antonym(s) of "always"): See Thesaurus:never
hyponyms
forever
however
whatever
whatsoever
whenever
whichever
whoever
adjective
ever (not comparable)
(epidemiology) Occurring at any time, occurring even but once during a timespan.
Examples
This family empathy measure is highly related to ever use of birth control but not to any measure of continuous use.
determiner
ever
(dialectal and informal) Shortening of every
Examples
"Ever place you look there's houses and more houses."
Queen Anne's lace ever place you look.
A sign at the entrance to the road going up Snake Hollow reads, “Snake Hollow is a wonderful place to be, Ever place you look there is a beautiful green tree. Snake Hollow makes you feel alive and free.” Lets keep it that way, for you and me.