# either

Pronunciation: US say "EYE-thur" /ˈaɪ.ðɚ/; UK say "EYE-thuh" /ˈaɪ.ðə/

## Conjunction

1. Used to introduce the first of two (or sometimes more) options, the next of which follows 'or'.
   - Simple: Used before the first of two choices, with the word 'or' before the second.
   - _You may either accept the offer or negotiate for better terms._
   - _The committee will either approve the budget or send it back for revision._

## Adverb

2. Also; as well, used to add to a preceding negative statement.
   - Simple: Used after a negative statement to mean 'also' or 'as well.'
   - _He didn't show up to the meeting, and he didn't call to explain either._
   - _The first plan failed, and the backup didn't work either._

## Determiner

3. Any one of two things or people, whichever is chosen; sometimes loosely used of one among more than two.
   - Simple: One or the other of two things, when it does not matter which.
   - _You may enter through either door at the front of the building._
   - _Either route across the valley is safe in summer._
5. Each of two things considered separately; both.
   - Simple: Each of the two, like both sides or both ends.
   - _Guards stood at either end of the long hallway._
   - _The bridge has a tollbooth on either bank of the river._

## Pronoun

4. Whichever one of two people or things is in question.
   - Simple: One of two people or things, but not both.
   - _Two candidates applied, and either would be a strong hire._
   - _She offered me tea or coffee, and I said either was fine._

## Pronoun

6. Each of two or more, or any one of more than two, taken individually. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: Each one, or any one, of two or more people or things.

## Origin

It comes from Middle English "either," from Old English "ǣġhwæþer," formed from the Proto-West Germanic roots *aiw and *gahwaþar. It is related to Old High German "iegihweder" (German "jeder") and Dutch "ieder."

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/either (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).