every

The word “every” means used before a singular noun to mean each one of a group, with no exceptions. In plain terms, all of them, one by one, without exception — or, with time words, "each one that comes around" (every day, every third week).

“Every” is pronounced EHV-ree (/ˈɛv.(ə.)ɹi/ in IPA).

Here is “every” used in a sentence: “Every student passed the exam.”

Words with a similar meaning to “every” include each.

The opposite of “every” — its antonyms — are no and none.

“Every” is a determiner.

“Every” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Every” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used before a singular noun to mean each one of a group, with no exceptions.

Both refer to individual members of a group, but with a slight shift in focus. 'Every' treats the group as a whole — 'every seat was taken' views them collectively. 'Each' considers members one at a time — 'each seat had a number.' 'Every' also needs three or more, while 'each' can apply to just two.

'Every' is followed by a singular noun and looks at group members one by one — 'every child got a prize.' 'All' takes a plural noun and views them together — 'all children got a prize.' The meaning is close, but 'every' stresses each individual, while 'all' stresses the whole group.

'Every' is grammatically singular, even though it refers to a whole group. It takes a singular noun and a singular verb — 'every student is here,' not 'every student are here.' This catches many people out, because the meaning feels plural while the grammar stays firmly singular.