Define the word whether

How often do you add new words to your vocabulary list? Most people don’t bother about new words because they think that figuring out how to use some words in their writing is a lot of work. However, learning about «whether definition, meaning, and usage» is the easiest thing you can do.

The word «whether» means «a choice between some alternatives.» It is a conjunction meaning that it will connect or link other words, phrases, or clauses together. It makes it easier to create complex sentences that would otherwise be two separate sentences. 

Since the word in focus today is a conjunction, this article will be detailed and technical. Don’t worry; we promise it won’t be anything near quantum physics. We will discuss all there is to know about the word «whether»; its definitions, uses, similar words and sentences that incorporate the word. Here we go!

What Is the Definition of Whether?

The word «whether» is defined as «alternatives to indirect questions.» Whenever you see this word in a sentence, you’ll realize there is a choice, option, or possibility to the indirect question.

You’ll also note that the word applies when changing a question from direct to indirect. For instance, the question «Is the museum open today?» is direct since the question is directed to someone. If you were to change it to an indirect question, it would become «Joel asked whether the museum is open today.»

Here are some more indirect questions that incorporate the word whether:

• Tracy asked me whether I wanted to go with her to the new Spiderman movie private screening.
• My mum wanted to know whether the Tesla SUV was safe to drive in all weather conditions.

Whether as an Introductory Word

The word «weather» is also defined as a conjunction used to introduce two possible outcomes or possibilities that may happen. You can link any two outcomes, provided you know how to use the word. The word isn’t discriminative based on the situation.

For example, in the sentence «May gets to keep the money whether she wins or loses.» The two possibilities are introduced by the word «whether.» In this case, the outcomes are a win and lose.

Here are more example sentences:

• Whether they confess or deny it, the case will continue as planned.
• Whether he wins or loses, this is Nadal’s last tournament this season.

What Is the Meaning of Whether?

The word «whether» also means «a conjunction that describes two situations.» Use the word in sentences with two reasons why something happened.

For instance, when someone says you passed an exam, whether by studying or cheating, they give the possible reasons you passed your exam. When used in this context, it’s evident that the person communicating is in doubt. They are not sure how you managed to pass a particular exam. You should be careful when using this word to describe two situations because it might sound negative sometimes.

Here are some more examples explaining the same:

• Michael made it back to the base, whether by skill or luck.
• Whether he cleans up his act or gives up the position, I don’t believe he’s the right person for the job.

Whether as a Functional and List Word

«Whether» is also used as a function word. In such cases, it shows a direct question with two possibilities. When used in this format, the word is commonly used with the correlative or.

Here are example sentences:

• Angie can’t decide whether to leave Derrick or leave him after she catches him cheating with another woman.
• After he read the statement, we couldn’t decide whether to agree with the conditions or raise concerns.

When used as a list word, it gives options about things or people. You can have a list of as many things as you want. The advantage of using the word in this form is that you communicate a clear message despite the choices. You can also show that the options are okay for those involved.

Here are example sentences:

• Whether it’s a desert tour or a charity event, Weston, Timothy, and Antonee, have no issue with your choice.
• Whether the Mathematics, Chemistry, History, or Literature class will follow next or not, Gregg and Clint will not attend.

How to Use Whether in a Sentence

«Whether» is a conjunction without a noun, adverb, or adjective version. In addition to using this word to show alternatives and two situations, you can also use it as an adverbial clause and when not sure of two situations.

Whether When Used to Introduce a Clause

The word «whether» is also used as a conjunction that introduces disjunctive adverbial clauses. However, the clause must qualify as the primary clause of the sentence. The word applies where the outcome will remain constant regardless of the two possibilities.

Other alternatives used in place of «whether» are regardless of whether, regardless of if, or notwithstanding if.

Here are example sentences:

• I won’t leave my son in this dysfunctional household whether you allow it or not.
• I believe the word on the street is that Amber will leave Luke, whether he likes it.

The phrase «whether» is also used in indirect questions where the person asking is unsure which of the alternatives is correct. The word is commonly used alongside or as a double conjunction.

Here are example sentences:

• Due to the recent shooting at the mall, Sally doesn’t know whether her daughter is dead or alive.
• Tracy looked at my hand and then proceeded to ask me whether I was still married or not.

10 Examples of Whether Usage in a Sentence

The above sections let you know the various meanings and uses of the conjunction «whether.» Let us now help you understand how to use the word correctly. The ten sentences below have incorporated the conjunction in different scenarios.

Once you’re done reading these sentences, make a few more, and keep reading. You’ll be surprised how fast your comprehension is, especially with practice.

1. I’m not sure whether Diana will make it to Vermont this Christmas after the snowstorm alert was issued on TV yesterday.
2. Whether you love or hate them, fourth-graders, namely Kyle, Stan, Eric, and Kenny, make South Park fun to watch.
3. Jenny told me that her father had already booked a flight for her and that she was leaving whether she liked it or not.
4. Whether we go by rail or road, the journey ahead will be challenging for us due to the weather conditions.
5. Whether you love him or hate him, Derrick Rose was one of the best point guards in the NBA.
6. Once I made my way past the front door, the first question I asked her was whether or not Henry had gone out.
7. Whether you believe it or not, car makers make money off mid-level sedans and not supercars.
8. I fear that the engine in this car might fail at any time, whether it overheats or not.
9. LeBron James will leave the Lakers this season, whether you like it.
10. I honestly don’t know whether the answer was correct since I wasn’t paying any attention.

How Do You Spell Whether?

The conjunction «whether» is spelled as w.h.e.t.h.e.r.

The word has seven characters. Like a few English words, it’s easy to confuse «whether and weather.» Be keen not to make a spelling mistake. However, it’s hard to confuse the word whether with its other rhyming words like leather, feather, and all together.

How Do You Pronounce Whether?

Pronounce the conjunction» whether» as [weh.thuh].

The term «whether» is easy to pronounce; however, it should not be confused with its homophones. The best way to differentiate closely related words is to check which word you’re pronouncing. To learn how to pronounce the word correctly, listen to podcasts and English tutors, then practice pronouncing the word. Make sure their accent matches what you want.

Whether Synonyms

• downfall
• precipitation
• thunderstorm

Whether Antonyms

• sprinkle
• mist
• scud

How Many Syllables Are In Whether?

The word «whether» has two syllables; wheth.er. Always stress the first syllable -wheth to pronounce the word correctly.

History & Etymology of Whether

The conjunction «whether» comes from the Old French word hwæðer, which means «which of two.» This dates back to the 17th century.

The word also traces its roots from the Germanic *gihwatharaz, the Old Saxon hwedar, which means «which of the two.» The word is also made up of khwa and theraz, with the former meaning who and the latter meaning «either of the two.» The meanings these root words had are still in use today.

When Was Whether First Used?

The 12th century is the first known use of «whether.» However, the word was first recorded as an English word in the 1650s.

Conclusion

Learning new words is the new normal; nevertheless, knowing about conjunctions such as «whether» is just as vital. These conjunctions are responsible for connecting other words or phrases. We believe that you won’t have any challenges using «whether» in your sentences in the future. Do not forget to always go back to this «whether definition meaning and usage» article if you have any challenges using the word.

Having begun to illustrate the distinction between inquiry if or whether something is and what it is with the question ˜whether there is or is not a centaur or a god™, he then characterizes the knowledge achieved as ˜knowing that it is™. ❋ Lennox, James (2006)

But when we are considering the question whether Bathurst and Lowe were needlessly strict or not, the point at issue is _whether plans of escape or rescue existed, and if so, whether they knew of them_. ❋ John Holland Rose (1898)

I ask you to consider whether, so long as the moral constitution of men’s minds shall continue to be the same, after this generation and assemblage shall sink into the grave, and another race shall arise, with the same moral and intellectual development we have, —whether, if that institution is standing in the same irritating position in which it now is, it will not continue an element of division? ❋ Unknown (1897)

This being so, if you doubt the other branch of the proposition, whether he is for you, —whether he is really for you, as I have expressed it, —I propose asking your attention for a while to a few facts. ❋ Unknown (1897)

If any person can in earnest doubt whether there be such a thing as good — will in one man towards another (for the question is not concerning either the degree or extensiveness of it, but concerning the affection itself), let it be observed that _whether man be thus_, _or otherwise constituted_, _what is the inward frame in this particular_ is a mere question of fact of natural history not provable immediately by reason. ❋ Joseph Butler (1722)

But I am now prepared to ask, with emphasis, whether an employment that has been attended with so many ills to the bodies and souls of men; with so much woe and crime; whose results are evil, and only evil continually; an employment which cannot be pursued without tending to destroy the very purposes of the organization of society; without violating the rule which requires us to render a valuable consideration in business; without violating the rule which requires a man to promote the welfare of the whole of the community; which promotes pauperism and crime, and imposes heavy burdens on your fellow-citizens; which is opposed equally to the love of man and the law of God — _whether this is a moral, or an immoral employment? ❋ American Tract Society (N/A)

(not, whether we are prophets;) _whether ministry_, (not, whether we are deacons, ministers:) and both prophecy and ministry are put in the accusative case; and both of them have relation, and are joined unto the participle of the plural number _having_, intimating that divers do share in prophecy, pastor and teacher; divers in ministry, deacon and ruling elder. ❋ Unknown (N/A)

I am willing and anxious that they should consider them fully; that they should turn it about and consider the importance of the question, and arrive at a just conclusion as to whether it is or is not wise in the people of this Union, in the acquisition of new territory, to consider whether it will add to the disturbance that is existing amongst us, —whether it will add to the one only danger that has ever threatened the perpetuity of the Union or our own liberties. ❋ Unknown (1897)

This network,not only should be boycotted by Democrats,but by all people who are brought to the station to be ridiculed by these pundits whether it is Cavuto,Hannity or O’Reilly for their beliefs…The Congress should examine their FCC license..whether they are serving the public or only serving one group that Rupport Mardock wants them to serve. ❋ Unknown (2007)

God: _whether you eat or whether you drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God_. [ ❋ Aquinas Thomas (1907)

But in his quest to accumulate 20 bottles, our tasting coordinator, Bernard Kirsch, ran into one of the frustrations sometimes experienced by Vouvray buyers: It’s not easy to tell by looking at the label whether wines will be dry or display some sweetness. ❋ By ERIC ASIMOV (2011)

At least some of what you suggest that he should have done was effectively barred by the «Gorelick wall» not really her fault, some say, but she’s going to be stuck with the term whether fair or not. ❋ Ann Althouse (2009)

The Impérial that’s sold in the U.S. does not say on the label whether it is Brut or Extra Dry, so be aware that it’s sweeter than Brut. ❋ Unknown (2008)

You will probably know from the title whether or not you want to read Agincourt: Henry V and the Battle that made England. ❋ Tripp (2007)

I wondered at the title whether this might be something menstrual; but in fact it’s libration. ❋ Zoe Brain (2007)

«We shall know by the amount of rubber left at the end of the term whether you have taken my valuable advice,» said Florence. ❋ Various (1897)

Ac Indicate after the title whether it is an easel-picture, fresco, statue, relief, or a part of a larger work. ❋ John Cotton Dana (1892)

Simon Cowell plans to turn the church volunteer into the next Paul Potts and will sign her to his label whether she wins or not, reports The Sun. ❋ Unknown (2010)

Boy:[how do] you spell whether?
Girl:[which one]
Boy:[u know] the one that is used to say stuff like «you WILL do this whether you like it or not»
Girl:oh W -E -T -H -E -R ❋ Jack Septic Pliers (2018)

[Mom]: Do you finally have an idea of what you’re doing this [summer]???
You: Yeah Mom, I [check] The Whether. ❋ Freckled Puma (2017)

[1SG]: «anyone taking a whether pass this weekend is gonna [get fucked] up on [Monday]!!!» ❋ Ravenflesh (2008)

She said she [would go] on the [hayride] tomorrow depending on [the whether] weather. ❋ Someonefromearth (2009)

[alan]:what is this crap we’re listening to?
rick:whether music.
alan:whether music?
rick:yeah. [it plays] whether or not we want it to.
alan: what a [gay DJ]. ❋ Tyrone Whitman (2007)

Zavala:»Whether we wanted it or not, we’ve stepped into a war with the [Cabal on Mars]. So let’s get to taking out their command, one by one. Valus Ta’aurc. From what I can gather he commands the Siege Dancers from an Imperial Land Tank outside of Rubicon. He’s well protected, but with the right team, we can punch through those defenses, take this [beast out], and break their grip on [Freehold].» ❋ Oofpacitomos (2019)

Whether we wanted it or not, we’ve stepped into a war with the [Cabal on Mars]. So let’s get to taking out their command, one by one. Valus Ta’aurc. From what I can gather he commands the Siege Dancers from an Imperial Land Tank outside of Rubicon. He’s well protected, but with the right team, we can punch through those defenses, take this [beast out], and break their grip on [Freehold]. ❋ Oofpacitomos (2019)

I’m not [going fishing] today it’s too [windy]. George is out fishing today tho. He is a [fair whether fisherman]. ❋ Das Miz (2019)

To [not know whether one is Arthur or Martha]
If that bloke goes anywhere near my girl, I’ll bash him so hard he won’t know if he’s [Arthur] or [Martha]! ❋ MrKapper (2006)

‘u know my [ear]? im [not sure] [whether] its bleedong any more.’ ❋ Batman (2005)

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

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 English either, German weder (“neither”), Swedish var, Icelandic hvor (“each of two, which of two”).

Pronunciation[edit]

• enPR: wĕ’thə(r), IPA^(key): /ˈwɛðə(ɹ)/
• enPR: hwĕ’thə(r), IPA^(key): /ˈʍɛðə(ɹ)/
• Rhymes: -ɛðə(ɹ)
• Hyphenation: wheth‧er
• Homophones: weather, wether (both in accents with the wine-whine merger)

Determiner[edit]

whether

1. (obsolete) Which of two.

   • a. 1587, Philippe Sidnei [i.e., Philip Sidney], “(please specify the page number)”, in Fulke Greville, Matthew Gwinne, and John Florio, editors, The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia [The New Arcadia], London: […] [John Windet] for William Ponsonbie, published 1590, →OCLC; republished in Albert Feuillerat, editor, The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia (Cambridge English Classics: The Complete Works of Sir Philip Sidney; I), Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: University Press, 1912, →OCLC:

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

   • [1633], George Herbert, “The Pearl”, in [Nicholas Ferrar], editor, The Temple: Sacred Poems, and Private Ejaculations, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: […] Thomas Buck and Roger Daniel; and are to be sold by Francis Green, […], →OCLC; reprinted London: Elliot Stock, […], 1885, →OCLC:

     In vies of favours whether party gains…

Pronoun[edit]

whether

1. (obsolete) Which of two. [11th–19th c.]
   • 1720, [Daniel Defoe], The Life, Adventures, and Pyracies, of the Famous Captain Singleton, London: […] J. Brotherton, […], J. Graves […], A. Dodd, […], and T. Warner, […], →OCLC:

     I told them we were in a country where we all knew there was a great deal of gold, and that all the world sent ships thither to get it; that we did not indeed know where it was, and so we might get a great deal, or a little, we did not know whether; […]

   • 1726 October 28, [Jonathan Swift], Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. […] [Gulliver’s Travels], volume I, London: […] Benj[amin] Motte, […], →OCLC, part II (A Voyage to Brobdingnag):

     On the 17th, we came in full view of a great island, or continent (for we knew not whether on the south side whereof was a small neck of land jutting out into the sea, and a creek too shallow to hold a ship of above one hundred tons.

   • 1847, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Woodnotes II:

     «Whether is better, the gift or the donor? / Come to me,» / Quoth the pine tree, «I am the giver of honor.»

Conjunction[edit]

whether

1. (obsolete) Introduces a direct question between alternatives (often with correlative or).
   • c. 1596 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Life and Death of King Iohn”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene i]:

     Whether hadst thou rather be a Faulconbridge, […] Or the reputed sonne of Cordelion?

2. Indicates doubt between possibilities (usually with correlative or).

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

   • 1915, G[eorge] A. Birmingham [pseudonym; James Owen Hannay], chapter I, in Gossamer, New York, N.Y.: George H. Doran Company, →OCLC:

     As a political system democracy seems to me extraordinarily foolish, […]. My servant is, so far as I am concerned, welcome to as many votes as he can get. […] I do not suppose that it matters much in reality whether laws are made by dukes or cornerboys, but I like, as far as possible, to associate with gentlemen in private life.

   • 2012 June 19, Phil McNulty, “England 1–0 Ukraine”, in BBC Sport:

     The incident immediately revived the debate about goal-line technology, with a final decision on whether it is introduced expected to be taken in Zurich on 5 July.

   • 2013 July 20, “Old soldiers?”, in The Economist, volume 408, number 8845:

     Whether modern, industrial man is less or more warlike than his hunter-gatherer ancestors is impossible to determine. The machine gun is so much more lethal than the bow and arrow that comparisons are meaningless. One thing that is true, though, is that murder rates have fallen over the centuries, as policing has spread and the routine carrying of weapons has diminished.

3. Without a correlative, introduces a simple indirect question.

   Do you know whether he’s coming?

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

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

   Whether or not you’re successful, you can be sure you did your best.

   • 1931 April, Younghusband, Francis, “Preface”, in The Epic of Mount Everest‎^[1], London: Edward Arnold & Co., →OCLC, →OL, page 5:

     The years have gone by and still we know not whether or no Mallory and Irvine reached the summit. But the will to climb Mount Everest is still alive.

Usage notes[edit]

• Traditional grammar classifies senses 2 and 3 as whether heading a noun clause, but classifies sense 4 as whether heading an adverbial clause.
• There is some overlap in usage between senses 2 and 3, in that a yes-or-no interrogative content clause can list the two possibilities explicitly in a number of ways:

Do you know whether he’s coming or staying?

Do you know whether he’s coming or not?

Do you know whether or not he’s coming?

Further, in the first two of these examples, the “or staying” and “or not” may be added as an afterthought (sometimes indicated in writing with a comma before), such that the whether may be uttered in sense 3 and then amended to sense 2.

• The or not can be placed after whether or after the verb, although in senses 2 and 3, or not is not required.
• Sense 4 does not have a counterpart that introduces only a single possibility and thus requires or not if no other possibilities are presented. For example,

“He’s coming, whether you like it” is ungrammatical. Grammatical versions are “He’s coming, whether you like it or not” or “He’s coming, whether you like it or dislike it”.

• The main verb in adverbial clauses with whether is sometimes in the subjunctive mood, especially if the verb is be:

I shall be glad to play any instrument, whether it be a violin or a trumpet.

[edit]

• either
• neither
• whethersoever

Translations[edit]