ever

UK: ˈevə | US: ˈevər

Definition

  1. adv. at any time (used in questions, negatives, or comparisons)

  2. adv. always; continuously

  3. adv. (for emphasis) in any way; at all

Structure
e <always, from Old English "ǣfre">ver <variant of "for," archaic form>
Etymology

The word "ever" originates from Old English ǣfre, a compound of ā (always) + in feore (in life), later simplified to "ever." It originally meant "always in life" or "eternally," but over time, its usage expanded to include general temporal emphasis ("at any time") and rhetorical intensification ("in any way"). The modern form preserves the archaic ver as a remnant of its earlier structure.

Examples

  1. Have you ever visited Paris?

  2. She is ever hopeful about the future.

  3. Nothing ever seems to satisfy him.

  4. This is the best cake I’ve ever tasted.

  5. How ever did you manage to finish so quickly?