(used to mean "at any time'' in questions, in sentences with negative words, with words expressing a condition, like if, with words expressing uncertainty, like doubt, and after a comparative adjective with than): Did you ever go skiing? I hardly ever drink soda. If you ever see him, tell him to call me. I doubt that I'll ever see her again. She looks better than ever now.
(used to mean "at all times; always'' before an adjective or another adverb): an ever-present danger.
(used with since and the present perfect tense) starting in the past and going on continuously up to now: Ever since then we've been best friends.
in any possible case; by any chance; at all: How did you ever manage to do that?
at all times; always:an ever-present danger; He is ever ready to find fault.
continuously:ever since then.
at any time:Have you ever seen anything like it?
in any possible case; by any chance; at all (often used to intensify or emphasize a phrase or an emotional reaction as surprise or impatience):How did you ever manage to do it? If the band ever plays again, we will dance.
Idiomsever and again, now and then; from time to time. Also, Literary,ever and anon.
Idiomsever so, to a great extent or degree; exceedingly:They were ever so kind to me.
adj.
Dialect Terms[South Midland and Southern U.S.]every:She rises early ever morning.
bef. 1000; Middle English; Old English ǣfre
1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged eternally, perpetually, constantly. See always.