Cambridge translates 'even' as 即使, as can be substantiated on ZDIC.net. But what semantic notions underlie 即, 使 with "even"?
ABC Chinese–English Comprehensive Dictionary (2003). I can't access the "slightly revised through July 2005" ed.
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即 2 “assume" alone means "even if". 即使、即便、即或 means the same: "even if/though"– RiverCommented Sep 18, 2020 at 18:46
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The basic meaning of 即 is instant(ly). It makes sense when combine with 使 as above: ask people to do it right now - implying "still not going to work". Hence "even" or "even though" is it's function. in 即便 即或： 即 also means "on the spot". Use the convenience/alternate on the spot" -> you still will fail.– James Liu 刘老师Commented Sep 18, 2020 at 22:46
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See also this answer to "How did 即 (a person kneeling卩 over food 皀) for shift 🡲 to mean 'assume'? Then 'even'?" at Reddit, and What semantic field underlies 即?.– Becky 李蓓 ♦Commented Nov 30, 2022 at 3:16
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1 Answer
即 = assume
使 = make it
即使 = assumedly make it (literal meaning)
[即使 ... 也] = [assumedly make it .... still ]
Apply the logic in the following sentence:
有錢不賣 = have money, not sell
有錢(也)不賣 = have money (still) not sell -- 也 is implied
(即使)有錢也不賣 - (assumedly make it that) you have money, I still won't sell -- 即使 is implied
即使有錢也不賣 = even you have money. I still won't sell it to you
"即使" literally means "assumedly make it". The practical meaning of 即使 (even), is extended from the [即使... 也] structure
Similarly:
就算 = just count as (literal meaning) --> 就算有錢也不賣 (just count it as you have money, I still won't sell it to you) = (even you have money, I still won't sell it to you)
縱使 = allow to make it (literal meaning) --> 縱使有錢也不賣 (allow to make it that you have money, I still won't sell it to you) = (even you have money, I still won't sell it to you)