ever

Etymology

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”).

adv

1. Always, frequently, forever.
   It was ever thus.
   […] the Lord Treasurer, who ever secretly feigned himself to be a Moderator and Mollifier of the Catholicks Afflictions […] 1592, George Savile, 1st Marquess of Halifax, An Advertisement[…] concerning Seminary Priests
   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. 1860, Florence Nightingale, Suggestions for Thought to the searchers after truth among the artizans of England., page 302
   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. 1993, Nancy K. Florida, Javanese Literature in Surakarta Manuscripts: Introduction and manuscripts of the Karaton Surakarta, SEAP Publications, page 9
   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. 2007, Roman Frydman, Michael D. Goldberg, Imperfect Knowledge Economics: Exchange Rates and Risk, Princeton University Press
   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. 8 September 2021, Phil McNulty, “Poland 1-1 England”, in BBC Sport
2. Continuously, constantly, all the time (for the complete duration).
   People struggled to cope with the ever-increasing cost of living.
3. At any time.
   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.
   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 (US) (file) 3 February 2019, “UN Study: China, US, Japan Lead World AI Development”, in Voice of America, archived from the original on 2019-02-07
4. In any way.
   How can I ever get there in time?
5. (informal) As intensifier following an interrogative word.
   Was I ever glad to see you!
   Did I ever!

adj

1. (epidemiology) Occurring at any time, occurring even but once during a timespan.
   This family empathy measure is highly related to ever use of birth control but not to any measure of continuous use. 1965, Reuben Hill, The family and population control: a Puerto Rican experiment in social change

det

1. (dialectal and informal) Shortening of every
   "Ever place you look there's houses and more houses." 1989, Connie Jordan Green, The War at Home, page 16
   Queen Anne's lace ever place you look. 2011, Lee Smith, Oral History
   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. 2011, Michael Blair, Nub and Bow in History, page 27