Few language quirks cause as much head-scratching as the difference between “everything” and “every thing,” which Merriam-Webster defines with three distinct meanings. Compounding the confusion is the free file-search tool named Everything by Voidtools, so this article clarifies spelling, meaning, and software.
Everything software version: 1.4.1.1032 (stable) ·
Everything software file size: ~1.5 MB ·
Word ‘everything’ definitions (Merriam-Webster): 3 ·
Everything software license: Freeware
Quick snapshot
- “Everything” as a word has three meanings (Merriam-Webster)
- Everything software is freeware for Windows (Voidtools Downloads)
- “Everyday” is an adjective; “every day” is an adverbial phrase (Merriam-Webster Grammar)
- Whether users searching “every thing” intend the word or the software
- No official ruling on the “correctness” of two-word spelling in modern English
- First release of Everything software by Voidtools in 2008 (Voidtools support page)
- Voidtools continues to release beta versions (1.5.0.1416b) alongside stable (Voidtools Downloads)
Five key facts to keep in mind:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Word ‘everything’ definitions | 3 (Merriam-Webster) |
| Everything software version | 1.4.1.1032 (Voidtools Downloads) |
| Software license | Freeware (Voidtools Downloads) |
| Software file size | ~1.5 MB (Softonic (third-party directory)) |
| First release year | 2008 (Voidtools support page) |
Which is correct, everything or every thing?
What is the difference between everything and every thing?
- “Everything” is a single word meaning all things collectively (Merriam-Webster).
- “Every thing” is two words meaning each individual thing, used for emphasis or specificity.
- The difference is grammatical and stylistic: “everything” is the standard modern form; “every thing” appears in older or emphatic writing.
When to use ‘everything’ vs ‘every thing’
Use “everything” in almost all writing. The two-word form “every thing” is rare and often considered archaic. According to Merriam-Webster’s usage guide, “every thing” survives mainly in legal or philosophical contexts where each item is counted separately.
Examples of ‘every thing’ in sentences
- “She inspected every thing in the shipment.” (emphasizing each individual item)
- “He catalogued every thing he owned.” (formal, item-by-item)
Bottom line: For nearly all contexts, “everything” is correct. Use “every thing” only when you need to stress each separate item – and even then, many style guides recommend “every single thing” instead.
The implication: for most writers, the single-word form is the safe choice.
What is the meaning of Everything?
Dictionary definition of everything
Merriam-Webster (authoritative dictionary) lists three definitions:
- All that exists
- All that relates to a subject
- All that is important (“She means everything to me.”)
Synonyms of everything
- All, the whole, the total, the entirety, the sum
- Informal: the whole shebang, the whole kit and caboodle
Everything in Hindi translation
The Hindi translation of “everything” is सब कुछ (sab kuch), according to Rekhta Dictionary (Hindi/Urdu lexicon).
The three definitions show that “everything” isn’t just a catch-all word – it carries emotional weight. For translators, choosing the right synonym depends on the context, not just a one-to-one mapping.
The pattern: this range of meanings makes “everything” a versatile word that can shift from literal to emotional in the same sentence.
Is the Everything app free?
What is Everything software?
Everything is a freeware desktop search utility for Windows, developed by Voidtools (software developer). It indexes all files and folders on a system and returns search results in milliseconds. Multiple third-party directories confirm it is free of charge: Softonic (software download portal), UpdateStar (software database), and heise download portal (German tech publisher) all list it as freeware.
How to download Everything for free
The official installation and portable versions are available from Voidtools Downloads (official distribution page). The page offers x86, x64, ARM, Lite, MSI, and portable ZIP variants for version 1.4.1.1032, plus a 64-bit beta (1.5.0.1416b).
Features of Everything software
- Instant file search by name
- Minimal system resource usage (~1.5 MB disk footprint per Softonic)
- Supports boolean operators, wildcards, and regular expressions
- Portable version runs from USB without installation
Everything is Windows-only. UpdateStar (software database) explicitly notes that it is only available for Windows. Mac or Linux users will need an alternative like Alfred or FSearch.
What this means: for Windows users, this is the fastest free file search tool, but platform limitations force others to look elsewhere.
Two important comparisons: everyday vs every day, and everyone vs every one. These are separate from “everything” but share the same compound-word logic.
| Phrase | Part of speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| everyday | Adjective | Ordinary, routine | “These are my everyday shoes.” |
| every day | Adverbial phrase | Each day | “I walk the dog every day.” |
| everyone | Pronoun | Everybody | “Everyone is invited.” |
| every one | Noun phrase | Each individual person/thing | “Every one of the tickets was sold.” |
The pattern: when the compound is used as a single word, it is a unit (adjective or pronoun). When written as two words, it emphasizes each individual item.
Everyday vs Every Day: What’s the Difference?
When to use ‘everyday’ as an adjective
“Everyday” is an adjective that describes something ordinary or commonplace. It always comes before a noun. Example: “Her everyday routine includes a morning jog.” Source: Merriam-Webster Grammar (usage guide).
When to use ‘every day’ as a phrase
“Every day” is an adverbial phrase meaning “each day.” It modifies a verb. Example: “She jogs every day.” The space changes the grammatical role.
Common mistakes
- Incorrect: “I wear this every day dress.” (should be “everyday dress”)
- Incorrect: “I do this everyday.” (should be “every day”)
Bottom line: Writers should use “everyday” when they mean ordinary, and “every day” when they mean each day.
The consequence: getting this wrong can confuse readers about whether you are describing a routine or a frequency.
Everyone vs. Every One: What’s the Difference?
Difference between ‘everyone’ and ‘every one’
“Everyone” is an indefinite pronoun meaning “everybody.” “Every one” is a phrase that refers to each individual person or thing in a group. They are not interchangeable. Source: Merriam-Webster Grammar (usage guide).
Usage examples
- “Everyone in the room agreed.” (all people)
- “Every one of the apples was ripe.” (each individual apple)
Similar compound word rules
The same logic applies to “anyone/any one,” “someone/some one,” and “no one” (which is always two words). Writing guides from Grammarly (writing assistant platform) confirm the distinction.
Writers who routinely use “everyone” and “everyday” as single words rarely need the two-word forms. But when precision matters – in legal documents, academic writing, or technical instructions – the two-word variant eliminates ambiguity.
The catch: the single-word forms are almost always correct in everyday writing, but the two-word forms are indispensable for clarity in specialized contexts.
“Everything is a freeware desktop search utility for Windows, developed by Voidtools. It indexes all files and folders on a system and returns search results in milliseconds.”
— Voidtools support page (official product documentation)
“The word ‘everything’ has three meanings: all that exists, all that relates to the subject, and all that is important.”
— Merriam-Webster (authoritative dictionary)
For most readers, the choice between “everything” and “every thing” boils down to context: the single word covers 99% of modern writing, while the two-word form is a niche tool. For the Everything software, the free download from Voidtools is the only official source – avoid look-alike apps on Google Play that share the name but are unrelated. The implication for anyone confused by the spelling is clear: when in doubt, write “everything” as one word, and for file search, go straight to Voidtools.
Related reading: Everything by voidtools · Everything support page
voidtools.com, voidtools.com, void-tools.github.io, play.google.com, play.google.com, voidtools.com, blog.naver.com
For a more detailed look at the nuances, see this guide to the spelling difference.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Everything software?
For Windows, alternatives include SearchMyFiles and Agent Ransack. For macOS, Alfred and Spotlight. For Linux, FSearch and Catfish. Each has different indexing speeds and features.
Is Everything safe to download?
Yes, when downloaded from the official Voidtools Downloads page. Third-party sites like Softonic also offer clean copies, but the official site is the most trusted source.
How to use Everything search effectively?
Type a partial filename; Everything instantly shows matches. Use wildcards (*.pdf), boolean operators (!exclude), and file: or folder: prefixes to narrow results. The Voidtools support page has a full command reference.
What does ‘every thing’ mean in philosophical contexts?
In philosophy, “every thing” (two words) is used to emphasize each individual entity, often in discussions of mereology (the study of parts and wholes). It is not the same as “everything” meaning the whole universe.
Is ‘everything’ always one word in formal writing?
Yes, in contemporary formal writing, “everything” is always one word. The two-word form is considered archaic or highly specific, according to Merriam-Webster.
Can ‘everything’ be used as a noun in a sentence?
Yes, “everything” is a pronoun that functions as a noun phrase. Example: “Everything is ready.” It can be the subject or object of a sentence.
Does the Everything app work on macOS?
No. Everything is a Windows-only application, as confirmed by UpdateStar. Mac users can use built-in Spotlight or third-party tools like Alfred.
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Coast Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.