whether

[ hweth-er, weth- ]

conjunction

1. (used to introduce the first of two or more alternatives, and sometimes repeated before the second or later alternative, usually with the correlative or ):

   It matters little whether we go or stay. Whether we go or whether we stay, the result is the same.

2. (used to introduce a single alternative, the other being implied or understood, or some clause or element not involving alternatives):

   See whether or not she has come. I doubt whether we can do any better.

3. Archaic. (used to introduce a question presenting alternatives, usually with the correlative or. )

pronoun

, Archaic.

1. which or whichever (of two)?

whether

/ ˈwɛðə /

conjunction

1. subordinating used to introduce an indirect question or a clause after a verb expressing or implying doubt or choice in order to indicate two or more alternatives, the second or last of which is introduced by or or or whether

   he doesn't know whether she's in Britain or whether she's gone to France

2. subordinatingoften foll byor not used to introduce any indirect question

   he was not certain whether his friend was there or not

3. coordinating another word for either

   any man, whether liberal or conservative, would agree with me

4. archaic.
   coordinating used to introduce a direct question consisting of two alternatives, the second of which is introduced by or or or whether

   whether does he live at home or abroad

5. whether or no
   1. used as a conjunction as a variant of whether
   2. under any circumstances

      he will be here tomorrow, whether or no

6. whether…or or whether…or whether
   if on the one hand…or even if on the other hand

   you'll eat that, whether you like it or not

determiner

1. obsolete.
   which (of two): used in direct or indirect questions

Usage Note

See if.

Word History and Origins

Origin of whether¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English hwether, hwæther, equivalent to hwe- (base of hwā who ) + -ther comparative suffix; cognate with Old Norse hvatharr, Gothic hwathar

Word History and Origins

Origin of whether¹

Old English hwæther, hwether; related to Old Frisian hweder, hoder, Old High German hwedar, Old Norse hvatharr, hvarr, Gothic hwathar

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. whether or no, under whatever circumstances; regardless:

   He threatens to go whether or no.

More idioms and phrases containing whether

In addition to the idiom beginning with whether , also see not know whether .

Example Sentences

Sir David says universities also need to collaborate more, and should consider mergers or whether courses at nearby institutions are too similar.

From BBC

Sir David says he expects “absolute transparency” about what students are getting in return for fees, whether on contact hours or important services such as mental health support.

From BBC

The forecasts published on Friday will also form part of the public debate, and private negotiations between universities and ministers considering whether tuition fees should rise further in the future.

From BBC

"I want to stand up for victims of abuse, whether corporate or domestic, to let them know that they can speak up too."

From BBC

For many, this argument over population and immigration had become a battle over whether Americans want to live in a diverse society.

From Salon