The phrasal verb "even out" is moderately used in both informal and formal contexts, although it tends to appear more commonly in informal settings. It is often used to describe the process of making something more balanced or equal, such as "evening out" a distribution of resources or smoothing a surface to ensure a level finish. In a financial context, it might refer to making expenses or profits more consistent over a period of time. It is also employed in social contexts to describe balancing roles or opportunities. While it can be used in written and spoken forms, in more formal writing, synonyms like "equalize" or "level" might be favored due to their more precise nature. Despite its varied applications, the underlying theme consistently relates to achieving balance or uniformity.
B1
Intermediate
1. To make a surface or area smooth or level.
He used a roller to even out the paint on the wall.
The workers evened out the ground before laying the concrete.
2. To balance or make things more consistent.
The teacher tried to even out the difficulty of the exams across different classes.
They hope that the extra training will even out performance differences among team members.
3. To distribute or spread something more uniformly.
She used a spatula to even out the icing on the cake.
The manager evened out the workload among the team members.
