Definition of 'both'

Word Frequency

both

(boʊθ )

1. determiner

You use both when you are referring to two people or things and saying that something is true about each of them.

She cried out in fear and flung both arms up to protect her face.

Put both vegetables into a bowl and crush with a potato masher.

Both is also a quantifier.

Both of these women have strong memories of the Vietnam War. [+ of]

We're going to Andreas's Boutique to pick out something original for both of us.

Both is also a pronoun.

Miss Brown and her friend, both from Stoke, were arrested on the 8th of June.

Will there be public-works programmes, or community service, or both?

Both is also an emphasizing pronoun.

He visited the Institute of Neurology in Havana where they both worked.

'Well, I'll leave you both, then,' said Gregory.

Both is also a predeterminer.

[emphasis]

Both the band's writers are fascinating lyricists.

Both the horses were out, tacked up and ready to ride.

2. conjunction

You use the structure both...and when you are giving two facts or alternatives and emphasizing that each of them is true or possible.

Now women work both before and after having their children.

Any such action would have to be approved by both American and Saudi leaders.

Video: pronunciation of 'both'

Word Frequency

both in British

(bəʊθ )

determiner

the two; two considered together

both dogs were dirty

(as pronoun)

both are to blame

conjunction

2. (coordinating)

used preceding words, phrases, or clauses joined by and, used to emphasize that not just one, but also the other of the joined elements is included

both Ellen and Keith enjoyed the play

both new and exciting

Word origin of 'both'

C12: from Old Norse bāthir; related to Old High German bēde, Latin ambō, Greek amphō

Word Frequency

both in American

(boʊθ ; bōt h)

adjective, pronoun

the two; the one and the other

both birds sang loudly; both were small; both of them were tired

conjunction, adverb

together; equally; as well

used correlatively with and

both tired and hungry

Word origin of 'both'

ME bothe < OE ba tha, both these < ba, fem. nom. & acc. of begen, both + tha, nom. & acc. pl. of se, that, the: akin to ON bathir, OS bethia, MDu bede, Ger beide: see ambi-

Example sentences containing 'both'

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Sources close to both companies played down the idea of a merger last night. Times, Sunday Times (2017)They both talk about a rotten establishment. Times, Sunday Times (2016)In both cases the people have spoken. The Sun (2016)You can turn a challenging relationship into one that works well for both of you. The Sun (2016)To have two chief advisers both paid that seems excessive. Times, Sunday Times (2016)He is just a natural footballer and he can also kick with both feet. Times, Sunday Times (2016)This time he had a modified gun with two barrels and was so nervous that he used both. Times, Sunday Times (2016)They were both true to themselves, the victims of their age. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Both enjoy partying and clubbing. Times, Sunday Times (2016)We can both play a lot better. Times, Sunday Times (2009)We have to get the best people of both businesses working together. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Both are masterly works in different veins. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Both use regular shapes and pure colours. Times, Sunday Times (2011)There were two conditions in both studies. Pressley, Michael & McCormick, Christine Advanced Educational Psychology For Educators, Researchers and Policymakers, (1995)They also chose churches both large and small. Christianity Today (2000)There are those more concerned with liberty and those more anxious about security in both parties. Times, Sunday Times (2011)We have habits of both thought and action. Austin, Valerie Self-Hypnosis (1994)With a neutral third party you can both pour out your feelings in a safe place. The Sun (2008)They both handed in their notices the day they received their cheque. The Sun (2008)Those two things cannot both be true. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Both teams played well and were very positive. The Sun (2011)Running beneath both reactions are two deeper issues. Times, Sunday Times (2010)The animals also have both male and female organs. The Sun (2013)Both need about four years to reach their best. Jepson, Tim Umbria - the green heart of Italy (1989)Restless feelings are transformed into positive action and both work and fitness plans are involved. The Sun (2011)You both work hard and your husband is looking to build for your future with his new business. Times, Sunday Times (2011)