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whether

WETH-ur/ˈwɛðə(ɹ)/

Often confused with weather

5 meanings of whether

Practice

  1. 1
    if (question)conjunction
    Used to talk about a yes-or-no question, or a choice between possibilities, as in I wonder whether it will rain.

    She asked whether the store was open.

    I don't know whether it will rain today.

    UsageAfter on or about, say whether: it depends on whether it rains.

    Similarif

    Note
  2. 2
    no matter whichconjunction
    Used to say that something stays true no matter which of the possible choices happens.

    Like a train that leaves on time no matter who shows up.

    Whether it rains or shines, the game will go ahead.

    We're leaving at noon, whether you're ready or not.

    UsageSay whether you like it or not.

    Note
  3. 3
    conjunctionobsolete
    Used to begin a direct question that asks which of two choices is the case.
    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)Here, whether starts a question asking which of two things is true.
    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    pronounobsolete
    Used on its own to ask which one of two.
    Whether of them twain did the will of his father?
    1611, The Holy Bible, King James VersionHere, Whether means which one of the two.
    The debite answered and sayde unto them: whether of the twayne will ye that I lett loosse unto you?
    1526, [William Tyndale, transl.], The Newe Testamẽt (Tyndale Bible)Here, whether means which one of the two.
    Note
  2. 5
    determinerobsolete
    Used before a noun to ask which one of two is meant.
    But to whether side fortune would have been partial could not be determined.
    a. 1587, Philip Sidney, The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia [The New Arcadia]Here, whether means which of the two sides.
    Whilst thus the case in doubtfull ballance hong, Vnsure to whether side it would incline,
    1596, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie QueeneHere, whether means which of the two sides.
    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of whether apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from Old English hweþer, related to the word for "who." German weder ("neither") comes from the same root.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 4 facts