even
even — 動詞
1. to change the amounts, levels, or scores of two or more things until they are th
使相等；拉平
讓數量或程度變得相同
to change the amounts, levels, or scores of two or more things until they are the same, usually by reducing the difference between them
Christopher scored a late goal to even the match at two goals apiece.
Christopher 在比賽尾聲進球，將比數扳成二比二平手。
bare even + score in sports context
The government plans to even out the differences in school funding between city and country areas.
政府計劃縮小城市與鄉村地區之間的教育經費差距。
phrasal verb: even out + differences
Ayesha made an extra payment to even up what she still owed on the loan.
Ayesha 多付了一筆錢，好結清她尚欠的貸款餘額。
After sanding the wood carefully, the surface was finally evened.
在仔細打磨木頭之後，表面終於變得平整。
Mert and his brother split the prize money to even things between them.
Mert 和他弟弟平分了獎金，讓彼此之間公平。
- balance
focuses on achieving equilibrium between two sides, often financial or physical
- level
emphasises making a surface flat or removing height differences; more physical than 'even'
- equalize
more formal or technical; common in sports and statistics
- square
informal, often implies settling a debt or score completely
文法句型
even + noun phrase
even out + noun phrase
even up + noun phrase
even off + noun phrase
用法筆記
The verb 'even' rarely stands alone without a particle in everyday speech. 'Even out' works for differences, variations, or distributions. 'Even up' is common for debts, scores, or payments. The bare form appears in fixed expressions like 'even the score'.
常見錯誤
even — 名詞
1. a literary or old-fashioned word for the period at the end of the day when the l
傍晚
白天將盡、黑夜來臨前的時光
a literary or old-fashioned word for the period at the end of the day when the light fades and night begins.
Salma enjoyed the cool of the even after a long day in the fields.
Salma 在田地裡工作了一整天後，享受著傍晚的涼爽。
collocation: the cool of the even
The quiet even settled over the village as Ritu lit the lamps.
寂靜的傍晚籠罩著村莊，Ritu 點亮了燈。
Mei-Lin sat on the porch and watched the quiet even settle over the garden.
Mei-Lin 坐在門廊上，看著寂靜的傍晚降臨花園。
Dario walked through the still even, with only the stars above him.
Dario 走過寂靜的暮色，頭頂只有星星陪伴。
用法筆記
In everyday modern English, 'evening' is the standard word for this time. The shorter form 'even' is mainly found in poetry, older literature, and a few traditional fixed phrases such as 'from morn to even'.
常見錯誤
even — 形容詞
1. Describes a surface with no bumps or dips, or describes two things positioned so
平坦的
表面無凹凸或高度相同
Describes a surface with no bumps or dips, or describes two things positioned so that neither is higher or lower than the other.
Before laying the tiles, Christopher checked that the floor was completely even.
鋪磁磚前，Christopher 先確認地面完全平整。
even surface (of a floor)
The top of the shelf needs to be even with the edge of the table.
書架的上緣需要和桌子的邊緣齊平。
even with + noun phrase
Apinya spread butter in a thin, even layer across the slice of bread.
Apinya 把奶油均勻地塗成薄薄一層在麵包上。
An even sidewalk is important for people who use wheelchairs.
平坦的人行道對坐輪椅的人來說很重要。
- uneven
the direct opposite — not flat or not at the same height
文法句型
even + noun (surface, floor, layer)
even with + noun
常見錯誤
2. Continuing at the same steady level, speed, or quality without sudden changes, r
平穩的
速度、聲音等穩定不變
Continuing at the same steady level, speed, or quality without sudden changes, rises, or falls.
The old car's engine made a soft, even sound as it idled in the driveway.
那輛老車的引擎在怠速時發出平穩柔和的聲音。
even sound (steady, unchanging)
Gabriel kept an even pace throughout the ten-kilometre run and finished strong.
Gabriel 在十公里賽跑中全程保持穩定的步伐，最後順利完賽。
even pace (steady speed)
The room temperature stayed even all night, thanks to the new thermostat.
多虧了新的恆溫器，室溫整夜都維持平穩。
The nurse listened to the baby's breathing and was glad it was slow and even.
護士聽了聽嬰兒的呼吸，欣慰地發現它緩慢而平穩。
文法句型
even + noun (pace, voice, temperature, breathing)
用法筆記
Frequently used with nouns describing measurable qualities such as sound, speed, temperature, or breathing.
3. Used when two amounts, scores, or sides are exactly the same, with neither side
平手的
數量或分數完全相同
Used when two amounts, scores, or sides are exactly the same, with neither side having more or being ahead of the other.
At half-time, the scores were even at two goals each.
中場休息時，雙方比分持平，各進兩球。
even scores (tied in a game)
The two teams were evenly matched, and the game stayed close until the final whistle.
兩隊實力相當，比賽直到終場哨響都難分勝負。
Cyrus divided the pizza into even slices so that everyone got the same amount.
Cyrus 把披薩切成均等的幾塊，讓每個人都拿到一樣多。
The election results showed an even split between the two main parties.
選舉結果顯示兩大黨的得票率勢均力敵。
文法句型
even + between/among (people/teams)
even + (noun) split/division
4. Describes a situation where the two possible outcomes are equally likely — a 50%
機會均等的
發生與否機率各半
Describes a situation where the two possible outcomes are equally likely — a 50% chance that something will happen and a 50% chance that it will not.
The doctor said the patient's chances of a full recovery were about even.
醫生說病人完全康復的機率大約是一半一半。
even chances (50/50 likelihood)
With the weather so unpredictable, the odds of rain tomorrow are about even.
天氣難以預測，明天降雨的機率大約是五五波。
The election is too close to call — both candidates have an even chance of winning.
選情太接近了，兩位候選人當選的機會均等。
Lan told her friend the bet was unfair because the odds were not even.
Lan 告訴朋友這個賭局不公平，因為賠率不對等。
- fifty-fifty
informal; expresses the same idea in everyday conversation
文法句型
even + chance / even + odds
even to + infinitive
用法筆記
Commonly appears in the fixed phrases 'an even chance' and 'even odds'. Unlike sense 3 (equal scores), this sense is about probability, not about amounts that can be counted.
5. In betting, describes odds where a winning bet pays back double the amount you r
同額賭注的
賭注一賠一，輸贏機率相同
In betting, describes odds where a winning bet pays back double the amount you risked, because the two possible outcomes are seen as equally likely.
The bookmaker offered even odds on the match because both teams had equal strength.
莊家為這場比賽開出一賠一的賠率，因為兩隊實力相當。
even odds (gambling term for 1:1 payout)
Mauricio placed an even-money bet on his favourite horse before the race began.
Mauricio 在賽前對最喜歡的馬下了同額賭注。
At even odds, a ten-dollar bet would earn you ten dollars in profit.
在一賠一的賠率下，下注十美元可賺到十美元的利潤。
Many gamblers look for even-money bets because they feel the chances are fair.
許多賭客偏好一賠一的賭注，因為他們覺得賠率公平。
文法句型
even + money / even + odds (betting terms)
用法筆記
Almost exclusively used in betting and gambling contexts. Outside of that domain, use sense 4 (fifty-fifty) instead.
6. Any integer you can split into two equal groups with nothing left over — such as
偶數的
能被二整除的整數
Any integer you can split into two equal groups with nothing left over — such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or any number whose final digit is 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8.
The teacher asked the children to count only the even numbers from one to twenty.
老師請小朋友從一到二十中只數出偶數。
even numbers (divisible by two)
Élise noticed that her house number, 24, was even, while her friend's house was number 25.
Élise 發現自家門牌號碼 24 是偶數，而朋友的門牌是 25。
All even numbers end in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 — that is the easiest way to check.
所有偶數的末位數字都是 0、2、4、6 或 8——這是最簡便的判斷方法。
You can decide if a large number is even by checking its last digit.
只要看最後一位數字，就能判斷一個大數是否為偶數。
- odd
numbers that cannot be divided by two without a remainder (e.g. 1, 3, 5, 7)
文法句型
even + number / even + integer
用法筆記
The opposite of 'even' in this sense is 'odd'. Zero (0) is considered an even number because 0 ÷ 2 = 0 with no remainder.
常見錯誤
even — 副詞
1. used to draw attention to a fact that seems surprising or extreme, especially wh
甚至
用來強調出乎意料或極端的情況
used to draw attention to a fact that seems surprising or extreme, especially when it applies to a person or situation you would least expect it to
Even Christopher, who never cries, started tearing up at the end of the film.
連從來不哭的 Christopher 在電影結尾時也開始掉眼淚。
even + noun — highlighting an unexpected subject
The curry was so hot that even Lakan, who loves spicy food, could not finish it.
咖哩非常辣，連愛吃辣的 Lakan 都吃不完。
Samir searched everywhere for his keys but could not even remember where he left them.
Samir 到處找鑰匙，但甚至不記得自己最後放在哪裡。
The puzzle was so simple that even a five-year-old child could solve it quickly.
拼圖非常簡單，連五歲小孩都能快速解出來。
常見錯誤
2. used with 'as' to mean that one thing happens at exactly the same moment as some
正當
表示兩件事在同一時刻發生
used with 'as' to mean that one thing happens at exactly the same moment as something else
Even as the fire alarm went off, Élise stayed calmly at her desk finishing her report.
正當火災警報響起時，Élise 仍冷靜地坐在桌前寫報告。
even as — two simultaneous events
The sun dipped behind the mountains even as the last bus pulled away from the station.
正當夕陽落至山後時，最後一班公車駛離了車站。
Hui began to apologise, but even as she spoke, the taxi driver shook his head and drove off.
Hui 正要道歉，但就在她說話的同時，計程車司機搖搖頭開走了。
Yuki tried to catch the vase, but even as her fingers touched it, the vase hit the floor.
Yuki 想接住花瓶，但就在她的手指碰到的瞬間，花瓶摔到了地上。
用法筆記
Almost always followed by 'as' to introduce a clause describing the second event.
常見錯誤
3. used with 'if' to say that a particular situation or fact does not change the re
即使；就算
表示無論條件如何，結果不變
used with 'if' to say that a particular situation or fact does not change the result or outcome
We will go for a hike this weekend even if it rains all day on Saturday.
即使週六整天下雨，我們這週末還是要去爬山。
even if — result unchanged by condition
Zayd promised to help us move the furniture even if it took the whole afternoon.
Zayd 答應幫我們搬家具，就算要花整個下午也沒關係。
Even if you do not agree with the decision, you must still follow the rules of the club.
即使你不同意這個決定，你還是必須遵守社團的規定。
Lucía decided to run the marathon even if her knee still hurt from the last race.
Lucía 決定去跑馬拉松，即使她的膝蓋還在隱隱作痛。
- whether or not
more wordy but can replace 'even if' in many contexts
用法筆記
Use 'even if' (not 'even though') when the condition is hypothetical or uncertain. Compare to sense 6, which introduces a known fact.
常見錯誤
4. used when saying that something happens or is true in spite of a particular obst
即使有；儘管
表示儘管有困難或障礙，事情仍然發生
used when saying that something happens or is true in spite of a particular obstacle or difficulty
The band continued to play even with the power cut halfway through the show.
即使表演到一半停電了，樂團還是繼續演奏。
even with + noun phrase — despite an obstacle
Even after so many years apart, the two friends recognised each other instantly at the airport.
即使分開這麼多年，這兩位朋友在機場還是一眼就認出彼此。
Ari kept training for the competition even when her coach told her to rest for a week.
儘管教練叫 Ari 休息一週，他還是繼續為比賽訓練。
The garden looked beautiful even in the middle of winter when no flowers were blooming.
即使在隆冬沒有花開的時候，這座花園依然很美。
用法筆記
Followed by a noun phrase (with, after, in) rather than a full clause. For a full concessive clause, use sense 6 (even though) or sense 3 (even if).
常見錯誤
5. used to begin a statement that offers a contrasting point to the idea you have j
即便如此
用來引導與前文對比的陳述
used to begin a statement that offers a contrasting point to the idea you have just expressed, similar in meaning to 'nonetheless'
The weather forecast said it would rain all week. Even so, we packed our bags and left for the beach.
氣象預報說會下一個星期的雨。即便如此，我們還是打包行李去了海邊。
even so — contrast with previous statement
Yumi had never cooked Thai food before. Even so, the dinner she prepared was absolutely delicious.
Yumi 從來沒做過泰國菜。即便如此，她準備的晚餐非常好吃。
Wren failed the driving test twice. Even so, she signed up for a third attempt the next morning.
Wren 路考兩次都沒過。即便如此，她隔天早上又報名了第三次。
The film got terrible reviews from the critics. Even so, it became the most popular movie of the summer.
這部電影被影評人罵得很慘。即便如此，它還是成了今年夏天最受歡迎的片。
- nonetheless
more formal, same meaning
- nevertheless
slightly more formal, common in written English
用法筆記
Always begins a new sentence or clause that refers back to a previous statement. Do not confuse with sense 4 (even with) or sense 6 (even though), which connect within a single sentence.
常見錯誤
6. used to introduce a real situation that makes what you say in the main clause se
雖然；儘管
引導讓步子句，表示與預期相反
used to introduce a real situation that makes what you say in the main clause seem unexpected or contradictory
Even though the restaurant had just opened, every table was already full of customers.
雖然這家餐廳才剛開幕，但每個桌子都已經坐滿了客人。
even though — concessive clause with known fact
Zola stayed up late to finish the project even though she had an early meeting the next day.
儘管隔天一早有會議，Zola 還是熬夜把專案做完。
Cole bought the old guitar even though three of its strings were broken and missing.
Cole 買了那把老吉他，雖然上面有三根弦斷了或不見了。
The puppy followed Jin everywhere even though he told it to stay in the kitchen.
即使 Jin 叫小狗待在廚房，小狗還是到處跟著他。
用法筆記
Use 'even though' (not 'even if') when the fact is known to be true. Compare to sense 3, which uses 'even if' for hypothetical conditions.
常見錯誤
7. used before a comparative adjective or adverb to make the difference larger or m
更加
強調比較級的程度
used before a comparative adjective or adverb to make the difference larger or more noticeable — for example, saying that a task is even harder than expected, or that someone can run even faster with practice.
The second test was even harder than the first one, surprising everyone in the class.
第二場考試比第一場更難，讓全班同學都感到很驚訝。
even + comparative adjective (harder)
After weeks of practice, Christopher could run even faster than his older brother.
經過幾週的練習，Christopher 跑得比他哥哥還要更快。
even + comparative adverb (faster)
This phone costs even more than the old model, but the camera is far better.
這款手機比舊款更貴，但相機好很多。
The weather forecast says tomorrow will be even colder, so bring a thick coat.
天氣預報說明天會更冷，所以記得帶厚外套。
Minh found the advanced maths course even less interesting than the beginner class.
Minh 覺得高等數學課程比初階班更無趣。
文法句型
even + comparative (adjective/adverb)
even more/less + adjective
用法筆記
This sense of 'even' must be placed immediately before the comparative word or the 'more/less' phrase it modifies. It does not work with positive (non-comparative) forms of adjectives — 'even good' is incorrect; use 'even better' instead.
常見錯誤
8. adds a word or phrase that is stronger or more accurate than the one you just us
甚至；更確切
引導更精確的描述
adds a word or phrase that is stronger or more accurate than the one you just used — for instance, after saying a guest seemed annoyed, adding 'or even furious' to sharpen the description.
Eitan was unhappy with the result, or even angry, when he saw the final score.
Eitan 對結果很不開心，甚至可以說是憤怒，當他看到最終分數的時候。
or even [stronger adjective]
Some visitors stay a week, or even a whole month, at that small beach hotel.
有些旅客在那間海邊小旅館住一週，甚至整整一個月。
or even [longer time period]
The medicine helped with the pain, or even cured it completely within two days.
這種藥緩解了疼痛，甚至在兩天內就完全治好了。
Darius described the film as boring, or even unwatchable, which was quite a harsh review.
Darius 形容那部電影很無聊，甚至可以說看不下去，這個評論相當嚴厲。
Many people in town knew the mayor well, or even considered her a personal friend.
鎮上很多人都認識市長，甚至把她當成私人朋友。
文法句型
or even + [stronger word/phrase]
, even + [more precise term]
用法筆記
In this sense, 'even' is not adding a completely new idea but sharpening or upgrading the previous one. The phrase before and after 'even' should belong to the same category (e.g., two adjectives describing the same thing, or two durations of time).
9. in a way that is complete, equal, or reaches a level state — used in fixed expre
完全；持平
完全地或達到平衡狀態
in a way that is complete, equal, or reaches a level state — used in fixed expressions such as a business that breaks even (neither gains nor loses money), a surface that is even with another (at the same height), or scores that finish even (equal).
After two years of losses, the small shop finally broke even last month.
經過兩年的虧損，這家小店上個月終於損益兩平。
break even — have neither profit nor loss
The old stone wall was cut even with the floor to create a smooth surface.
舊石牆被切齊地板，以創造平滑的表面。
even with [surface] — level with
Yuki cut the vegetables even, so they would all cook at the same speed.
Yuki 把蔬菜切得大小均等，這樣它們就能以同樣的速度煮熟。
The two teams finished the season even, each with forty points.
兩支球隊以平手結束賽季，各得四十分。
Stefan held the picture frame until it was even with the edge of the table.
Stefan 拿著相框，直到它與桌緣齊平。
- completely
broader in use and not restricted to fixed phrases; works with any past participle
- level
an adjective rather than adverb, used in 'level with' to mean the same as 'even with'
- square
informal synonym in the context of debts or scores ('we're square' = we are even)
- unevenly
opposite of 'even' in terms of level or distribution
文法句型
break even
even with [noun]
get even (with someone)
用法筆記
This sense is much less productive than the other adverb senses — it mainly survives in a set of fixed expressions ('break even', 'even with', 'get even', 'on an even keel'). Learners should memorise these phrases as whole units rather than trying to create new combinations with 'even' meaning 'completely'.