whether

whet-her · conjunction

imported

Definitions

conjunction

  1. 1.

    Expressing a doubt or choice between alternatives.

  2. 2.

    Indicating that a statement applies whichever of the alternatives mentioned is the case.

  3. 3.

    Used to introduce an indirect question.

  4. 4.

    Expressing indifference to alternatives.

Related words

See also: either, if, or, weather
Synonyms: if

Etymology

From Old English "hwether" meaning "which of two," from Proto-Germanic "hwatharaz," a comparative form from Proto-Indo-European "kwo-" (interrogative base). Originally it was used to introduce a direct choice between two options, and this sense is preserved in the phrase "whether or not."