everything - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
everything Word Meanings
- all things
- the entirety of something
- every single item or person
everything Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
everything Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɛvriθɪŋ/
US
/ˈɛvriˌθɪŋ/
everything Word Etymology
everything = every + thing; Historical origin: Old English 'æfre' (always) + 'thing' (object); Memory image: Imagine collecting every single object in a vast world, showing its completeness.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I place my finger on the desk and move it along a row of objects, nudging one aside and then another. I shift my gaze, pull a few items toward the center, and adjust their order one by one. A sense of the whole surface settles in as I hold the idea that all pieces are part of one group. In speech, I reach for everything when I mean all of it, the whole set in one breath.
Real Context
Everything is a versatile pronoun that means all things, the total sum, or every single item or person in a group. In everyday English, it emphasizes wholeness rather than quantity, so we say 'Everything is ready' rather than 'All are ready.' Learners often confuse it with 'every thing' or with phrases using 'the whole.' It appears in expressions like 'I want everything on the menu' or 'We must take care of everything.' The memory image of gathering every object from a vast world helps recall its sense of totality. Remember that everything is usually followed by a singular verb, and avoid treating it as multiple items.
Usage Reminders
- - Use everything to refer to the total amount or all items.
- - After everything, the verb is usually singular: Everything is ready.
- - Don’t split as 'every thing' in normal speech.
- - Compare with all when focusing on count or individual items.
- - In negatives, emphasize the absence of parts: We couldn’t fix everything.
Common Misconceptions
- Everything is always plural and takes plural verbs.
- Everything can replace every noun with any countable item.
- Everything means every single thing in every context.
- Use everything after prepositions in all situations.
- Confuse everything with 'all things' in informal speech.
Thinking Differences
In English, everything is a single universal pronoun for totality. Learners often think it must refer to every item individually or clash with 'everything' plus plural nouns, and may misuse it with countable items or in formal lists.
Learning Tips
- Practice using everything with singular verbs: Everything is...
- Compare with all to highlight quantity vs totality.
- Avoid splitting into every thing in everyday speech.
- Use negative forms to emphasize missing parts: We couldn’t fix everything.
- Pair with common nouns to express broad topics: Everything in this store is on sale.
- Create memory hooks: visualize collecting every item in a world.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'everything'?
A.All things
B.Some things
C.Nothing
D.Many things
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'everything' correctly?
A.I can't find everything to wear.
B.He eats everything for breakfast.
C.She bought everything she needed from the store.
D.Everything is always sunny in Antarctica.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'everything'?
A.Something
B.Nothing
C.Anything
D.Many things
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'everything'?
A.Something
B.Nothing
C.A few things
D.Many things
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context for 'everything'?
A.He has all the tools for the job.
B.The party had a lot of decorations.
C.She finished her homework on time.
D.They ate lunch together.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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