evenly
UK: ˈiːvənli | US: ˈiːvənli
Definition
adv. in a smooth, equal, or balanced manner
adv. without variation or fluctuation
Structure
even <flat/balanced>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology
The root "even" traces back to Old English efn, meaning "level, equal, or smooth," derived from Proto-Germanic ebnaz. Over time, it evolved to describe fairness, balance, or uniformity. The suffix "-ly," from Old English -lice, transforms adjectives into adverbs, indicating manner. Thus, "evenly" literally means "in an equal or balanced way," reflecting its original sense of flatness extended metaphorically to consistency.
Examples
Spread the icing evenly over the cake.
The teams were evenly matched in skill.
Breathe evenly to stay calm.
The light was distributed evenly across the room.
She divided the tasks evenly among her colleagues.