whether

Meaning

Conj

1. Indicates doubt between possibilities (usually with correlative or).
2. Without a correlative, introduces a simple indirect question.
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.

Concepts

whether

if

or

either

regardless of

whichever is the case

whatever

which

unless

truly

in case

providing

away

down

from

off

no matter whether

Hyphenated as

wheth‧er

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈwɛðə(ɹ)/

Etymology

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 German weder (“neither”), Swedish var, Icelandic hvor (“each of two, which of two”).