Definition of 'whether'

Word Frequency

whether

(hweðəʳ )

1. conjunction

You use whether when you are talking about a choice or doubt between two or more alternatives.

To this day, it's unclear whether he shot himself or was murdered.

Whether it turns out to be a good idea or a bad idea, we'll find out.

They now have two weeks to decide whether or not to buy.

The council is considering whether to approve of the use of firearms.

I don't know whether they've found anybody yet.

2. conjunction

You use whether to say that something is true in any of the circumstances that you mention.

This happens whether the children are in two-parent or one-parent families.

The more muscle you have, the more fat you'll burn, whether you're working out or fast asleep.

Babies, whether breast-fed or bottle-fed, should receive additional vitamin D.

Video: pronunciation of
whether

whether in British English

(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. (subordinating; often foll by or not)

used to introduce any indirect question

he was not certain whether his friend was there or not

3. (coordinating) another word for either (sense 3)

anyone, whether liberal or conservative, would agree with me

4. (coordinating) archaic

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

6. whether…or

determiner, pronoun

7. obsolete

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

Word origin

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

Word Frequency

whether in American English

(ˈhwɛðər ; ˈwɛðər )

conjunction

if it be the case or fact that

used to introduce an indirect question

ask whether she will help

in case; in either case that

used to introduce alternatives, the second of which is preceded by or or by or whether [whether he drives or (whether he) flies, he'll be on time]: sometimes, the second is merely implied or understood [we don't know whether he'll improve (or not)]

either

taxation to support the war, whether just or unjust

pronoun

4. Archaic

which (esp. of two)

used interrogatively and relatively

Idioms:

whether or no

Word origin

ME < OE hwæther (akin to Ger weder, neither) < IE *kwotero-, which (of two) < base *kwo-, who (> what) + compar. suffix

Example sentences including
whether

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The company was unable to say whether or not the rollout would be optical fibre technology.Then you will have a good idea of whether a man is genuine.Researchers said it be used to determine whether those with advanced cancer should still be given drug treatment.It refused to say whether any of the migrants had claimed asylum or been asked to leave the country.He says it depends whether there's a wedding in the team hotel.He has asked whether the use of Triamcinolone was correct so near to big races given the performance benefits.So I asked him whether he used gel.If letting a room in your house, you will need to make it clear whether guests can use other spaces such as the kitchen.That high excitement at the beginning of a relationship usually settles down, then you will have a better idea of whether you are right for each other.They will have no idea whether it is day or night.