every

Every is a determiner and pronoun in English that refers to the whole of a group considered individually. It signals that each member of a set is included, rather than the set as a single unit. Its closest synonyms are all and each, but every emphasizes individuality and completeness at the level of individuals.

In grammar, every is used with singular nouns: every book, every student, every day. It is not normally used with plural nouns directly (the sentence would typically use each or restructure). It is often followed by a singular verb, as in "Every student has a textbook." The related pronoun form "every one" is used when referring to individual members of the group, as in "Every one of the students received a certificate"—the pronoun is often written as two words, though "everyone" is a common compound pronoun meaning "all people."

As an adverb, the phrase "everywhere" or the expression "every day" shows frequency, place, or time. A common orthographic note is the distinction between "everyday" (an adjective meaning ordinary) and "every day" (two words, meaning each day).

In semantics, every expresses universal quantification in logic and mathematics: "every x has property P" corresponds to "for all x." Not every is used to introduce negation or exceptions, as in "Not every student passed."

Etymologically, every derives from the Old English word for "each" and has evolved through Middle English to its modern form.

See also: each, all, universal quantification, everyday.