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English

Eve

|Eve|

B1

/iːv/

the time or person just before a beginning

Etymology
Etymology Information

'Eve' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'Eva,' which was derived from the Hebrew name 'Chawwah,' where 'chawah' meant 'to live.'

Historical Evolution

'Eva' was adopted into Old English as 'Eve,' and eventually became the modern English word 'Eve.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred specifically to the biblical first woman, but over time it also came to mean 'the day or period before an event.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the day or period of time immediately before an event, especially a holiday or festival.

We always have a big dinner on Christmas Eve.

Synonyms

Noun 2

the period or moment just before a significant event or change.

The country was on the eve of a revolution.

Synonyms

Noun 3

(in the Bible) The first woman, wife of Adam.

Eve is said to have eaten the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/08/03 04:00