whether

Meanings

1. 1
   conj

   Introduces a simple indirect question (without a correlative).

   Whether we'll be on time I'm unsure.

2. 2
   conj

   Indicates doubt between possibilities (usually with correlative or).

   He chose the correct answer, but whether by luck or by skill I don't know.

3. 3
   conj

   Introduces a disjunctive adverbial clause qualifying the main clause (with correlative or).

   He's coming, whether you like it or not.

4. 4
   conj

   Introduces a direct question between alternatives (often with correlative or).

   whether ys it easyer to saye to the sicke of the palsey, thy synnes ar forgeven the: or to saye, aryse, take uppe thy beed and walke?

5. 5
   det

   Which of two.

   But to whether side fortune would have been partial could not be determined.

6. 6
   pron

   Which of two.

   The debite answered and sayde unto them: whether of the twayne will ye that I lett loosse unto you?

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 North Frisian weđer (“if, whether”), German weder (“neither”), Swedish var (“each, every”), Icelandic hvor (“each of two, which of two”).