whether
∞
1.0
- subordinating conjunction
- /ˈwɛðər/
:
si
- You have to decide whether you want tea or coffee.
- ask whether
- know whether
- decide whether
That's all of our purpose, whether we know it or not.
- That's all of our purpose, whether we know it or not.
- What's relevant is whether they can do the job.
- But it's still reality whether that happens or not.
- It's up to you whether you let it harm you.
- Don't worry so much about whether you're well read or not.
- But it's unclear, you know, whether or not she will.
- We don't know whether to laugh or to cry.
- I wonder what's in her mind, whether it's fear or habit.
- You know, we don't know whether to believe him or not.
- Whether it's right, whether it's wrong, it is.
Examples
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So change is coming whether we like it or not.
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The question is whether the thermals will hold up.
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This is being done whether you like it or not.
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Then he'll choose whether he goes first or second.
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You get to choose whether your brain says no or yes.
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We're changing the wine world, whether they like it or not.
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Teachers look for the correct answer to know whether students learn what is taught or not.
Academic text (2011) -
We have a choice about whether we feel anxiety.
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The learning commons areas are open, whether or not there is a professional present.
Academic text (2011) -
We don't know whether to laugh or to cry.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
To introduce a question asking whether something is true or happened
Surface Forms
Etymology
Whether comes from an old English word hwæðer that meant 'which of two'. It is in the same family as question words like which and what, so you can remember whether as the word you use when you choose between options. That's why whether introduces two or more possibilities.