Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To make equal or level: To adjust or arrange something so that it is balanced, fair, or uniform.
   • To settle a score or debt: To make things even by compensating for a difference or imbalance.

Usage and Examples

• To make equal or level:

  • The tailor will even up the hem of the dress.
  • Please even up the piles of books so they are the same height.

• To settle a score or debt:

  • He bought the next round of drinks to even up after I paid for dinner.
  • The goal in the final minute evened up the score.

Advanced Usage

• "to even things up": A common phrase meaning to make a situation fair or balanced.
  • The new tax credit is designed to even things up for low-income families.

Variants and Related Words

• Even (verb/adjective): To make or become level or equal; flat, level, or balanced.
  • She evened the surface of the cake with a knife.
• Evenness (noun): The quality of being regular, level, or equal.
  • The evenness of his tone was calming.

Synonyms

• Balance: To bring into or keep in equilibrium.
• Equalize: To make things equal in amount, size, or degree.
• Level: To make a surface flat or even.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Even out: To become level, steady, or equal over time.
  • The road evens out after the next curve.
  • Prices should even out once supply increases.

Related Idioms

• Get even: To take revenge, to retaliate so that a wrong is avenged.
  • He was determined to get even with the person who cheated him.

Verb

1. even up the edges of a stack of paper, in printing
2. adjust for
   • engineers will work to correct the effects or air resistance