whether

1. 1
   if (question)conjunction

   Introduces an indirect question about whether something is true, or which of two or more possibilities is the case.

   The committee debated whether the proposal met the funding criteria.

   He wondered whether his message had ever arrived.

   UsageAfter a preposition, use whether, not if: it depends on whether it rains. Often whether or not.

   Similarif

   Note

   The bare form of the indirect question: only one possibility is spoken, and its negative is understood. Because the clause works like a noun, it can follow a verb (do you know whether he's coming?) or move to the front of the sentence for emphasis (whether we'll be on time I'm unsure).

2. 2
   no matter whichconjunction

   Introduces an adverbial clause stating that the main clause holds regardless of which alternative is true, paired with the correlative or.

   Whether by accident or design, the policy widened the gap between regions.

   The festival proceeds outdoors, whether the weather cooperates or not.

   UsageUsually with or not or another or: we're leaving, whether you're ready or not.

   Note

   A concessive clause that waves the alternatives aside, because the main clause holds either way. Older prose uses or no instead (she meant to have her way, whether or no). Source

   Checked 2 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

   • Older prose uses 'whether or no' where 'whether or not' could be used. gutenberg.org
3. 3
   conjunctionobsolete

   Begins a direct question asking which of two alternatives is the case, often paired with the 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?

   1526, [William Tyndale, transl.], The Newe Testamẽt (Tyndale Bible)

   Note

   English no longer uses this question word, but older writers began a direct question with it to signal a choice. Tyndale's 1526 New Testament asks whether ys it easyer to saye… or to saye, aryse. Shakespeare's King John has Whether hadst thou rather be a Faulconbridge… Or the reputed sonne of Cordelion? Source

   Checked 2 Nov 2026 · 4 facts

   • Older writers used whether to introduce a direct question offering alternatives. en.wiktionary.org
   • Tyndale's complete New Testament was first published in 1526. en.wikipedia.org
   • The quoted words occur in Tyndale's translation of Mark 2:9. en.wiktionary.org
   • Shakespeare's King John contains the quoted question, spoken by Queen Elinor in Act I, scene i. internetshakespeare.uvic.ca

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