1 B1 neutral
To make a surface flat and smooth by spreading or pressing.
"She used a spatula to even out the icing across the top of the cake."
separable
even out
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To become or make something balanced, equal, or smooth, either physically or in terms of distribution.
In plain English
To make things equal or flat, or to stop being bumpy or unequal.
What does "even out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To become or make more balanced or equal in terms of distribution, amounts, or opportunities.
"The coach rotated the players so that the playing time evened out across the whole team."
separable
3 B2 neutral
For a situation to become more stable or less extreme after a period of fluctuation.
"Prices were volatile in January but evened out by March."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make a surface completely flat and smooth.
Actually means
To make things equal or flat, or to stop being bumpy or unequal.
Usage tip
Used both literally (smoothing a physical surface) and figuratively (balancing amounts, differences, or circumstances). When used figuratively, it often implies a gradual process over time.
Words that pair with "even out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
differences surface costs distribution workload payments
How to conjugate "even out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
even out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
evens out
he/she/it
Past simple
evened out
yesterday
Past participle
evened out
have + pp
-ing form
evening out
continuous
Hear "even out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "even out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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