The chef carefully spread an even amount of cheese on the pizza dough before adding toppings.

Kate

Do these pictures look even to you?

Kenji

No, move the one on the right up a little bit.

Equal in number, value, skill, etc.

For numbers

The numbers 2, 4, 6 and so on are called "even numbers." When even numbers are divided by 2, the result is two halves with the same value.

The opposite of an even number is an "odd number" (1, 3, 5, etc.).

As a verb

To "even something out" means to make it smooth and flat. This can be used literally or figuratively.

Here, "even out" means improving a section so that it matches the quality of other sections.

As an adverb

You may be most familiar with even as an adverb. In this form, the idea isn't balance, such as in its adjectival form. Instead, the adverb form is used for emphasis because something is surprising, unexpected or extreme.

Depending on how it's used, even can appear in different parts of a sentence.

Emphasis

Shelly hates opera, so it's surprising that she would enjoy the opera performance.

The speaker's collection is complete enough to include items that are difficult to find.

Here, the speaker is surprised at her friends' behavior.

In other words, "Pay attention!"

Comparisons

When comparing things, even is used to emphasize the difference between them. This usage comes before an adjective or adverb.

Extra information

Even can be used after a statement to add a little bit of information or to say something more specifically. This usage sounds slightly formal.

Other uses

Aside from the uses we've covered, even is also commonly used in idioms and casual expressions. 

Even though

This is a less-formal way to say "despite."

Even so

"Even so" introduces information that goes against what has just been said. It's another way to say "however."

Even if

This phrase is used to describe a possibility that would not change a result or decision.

Be even

This is a very common casual expression that means a debt has been canceled and that one person no longer owes another person.

In this case, it means "You will no longer owe me a favor."

People sometimes add the rhyming word "Steven" to make this expression sound a little silly and less formal. 

Tim

Here's that $5 I owed you. We're even now, right?

Ben

Yep, even Steven.

Get even

"Getting even" with someone means getting revenge on them!

For both "be even" and "get even," remember the idea of things being balanced. In the case of "get even," someone who is upset wants to make another person upset as well!

For bargaining

When negotiating prices, even is used to indicate a simpler number that is often lower than the original price.

“I can’t even.”

This slang phrase is used when someone is surprised by something and doesn't know how to respond to it. It's a shorter way of saying "I can't even think of what to say/do" or "I can't handle this situation." It can be used for both positive and negative events.

Cathy

Congratulations, Roz! You are the employee of the year!

Roz

Oh my God! I can't even!