whether

Meaning

Conj

1. Introduces a simple indirect question (without a correlative).
2. Indicates doubt between possibilities (usually with correlative or).
3. Introduces a disjunctive adverbial clause qualifying the main clause (with correlative or).
4. (obsolete) Introduces a direct question between alternatives (often with correlative or).

Det

Which of two.

Pron

Which of two.

Synonyms

if

or

either

regardless of

whichever is the case

providing

truly

unless

whatever

which

away

no matter whether

down

from

in case

off

Translations

of

si

si

ob

se

αν

hetzij

se

que

εάν

soit

hè

إذا

sia

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈwɛðə(ɹ)/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: whether

Inherited from Old English: hweþer

Cognate with German: weder

Cognate with Swedish: var

Cognate with Icelandic: hvor

In summary

From Middle English whether, whather, from Old English hweþer, hwæþer, from Proto-West Germanic *hwaþar, from Proto-Germanic *hwaþeraz, comparative form of *hwaz (“who”). Cognate with North Frisian weđer (“if, whether”), German weder (“neither”), Swedish var (“each, every”), Icelandic hvor (“each of two, which of two”).

Sentences

Whether he represented winter or summer is not quite clear .