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 correlativeor ).

   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 correlativeor. )

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. 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. 1. used as a conjunction as a variant of whether

   2. under any circumstances

      he will be here tomorrow, whether or no

6. 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

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

• not know whether

Example Sentences

After a quick hello, she keeps them talking as she hands over cash, asking about the flavours and whether they would sell in bulk for a party.

From BBC

A new committee, handpicked by the administration, now has the power to change, or even drop, critical recommendations to immunise Americans for certain diseases, as well as shape the childhood vaccination programme, although the CDC itself still has the final say on whether to accept that advice.

From BBC

Whether the next general election is in two years as Farage predicts or in four years' time as is more likely, a lot can shift fast – including opinion polls.

From BBC

Observational research in this context means that scientists ask people what they eat, and then look at whether the foods they consume are linked to their long-term risk of cancer.

From Slate

It’s very hard to know from studies like this whether eating more of the vegetables actually causes improved health or whether there is some other factor going on that isn’t measured properly in the study.

From Slate