every

[ ev-ree ]

adjective

1. being one of a group or series taken collectively; each:

   We go there every day.

2. all possible; the greatest possible degree of:

   every prospect of success.

every

/ ˈɛvrɪ /

determiner

1. each one (of the class specified), without exception

   every child knows it

2. not used with a negative the greatest or best possible

   every hope of success

3. each: used before a noun phrase to indicate the recurrent, intermittent, or serial nature of a thing

   every third day

   every so often

   every now and then

4. every bit
   used in comparisons with as quite; just; equally

   every bit as funny as the other show

5. every other
   each alternate; every second

   every other day

6. every which way
   1. in all directions; everywhere

      I looked every which way for you

   2. from all sides

      stones coming at me every which way

Word History and Origins

Origin of every¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English every, everich, Old English ǣfre ǣlc, literally “ever each” (the first element of the phrase reinforcing the second); ever ( def ), each

Word History and Origins

Origin of every¹

C15 everich, from Old English ǣfre ǣlc, from ǣfre ever + ǣlc each

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. every bit, in every respect; completely:

   This is every bit as good as she says it is.

2. every now and then, on occasion; from time to time: Also every once in a while, every so often.

   She bakes her own bread every now and then.

3. every other, every second; every alternate:

   milk deliveries every other day.

4. every which way, in all directions; in disorganized fashion:

   I brushed against the table, and the cards fell every which way.

More idioms and phrases containing every

• at every turn
• each and every
• finger in the (every) pie
• living soul, every
• nook and cranny, every

Synonym Study

See each.

Example Sentences

Dave Gilbert, the founder of American independent games developer Wadjet Eye Games, who attended the conference every year, called it "an amazing showcase for everything the UK game scene has to offer."

From BBC

“He’s just a guy who puts his head down and works every day,” wideout Kyle Ford said.

From Los Angeles Times

“He’s not really worried about the end outcome all the time. He’s worried about the process and how he can get better every day, and I think that’s what he’s done to put himself in position.”

From Los Angeles Times

But not every judge presiding over a January 6 case believes the court should preemptively take pardons into account.

From Salon

Police Scotland says a dedicated team is working with businesses in the area and is investigating every report.

From BBC

Related Words

• all