whether

American  

[hweth-er, weth-] / ˈʰwɛð ər, ˈwɛð- /

conjunction

1. (used to introduce the first of two or more alternatives, and sometimes repeated before the second or later alternative, usually with the correlativeor ).

   It matters little whether we go or stay. Whether we go or whether we stay, the result is the same.

2. (used to introduce a single alternative, the other being implied or understood, or some clause or element not involving alternatives).

   See whether or not she has come. I doubt whether we can do any better.

3. Archaic. (used to introduce a question presenting alternatives, usually with the correlativeor. )

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pronoun

Archaic.

1. which or whichever (of two)?

idioms

1. whether or no, under whatever circumstances; regardless.

   He threatens to go whether or no.

whether British  

/ ˈwɛðə /

conjunction

1. (subordinating) used to introduce an indirect question or a clause after a verb expressing or implying doubt or choice in order to indicate two or more alternatives, the second or last of which is introduced by or or or whether

   he doesn't know whether she's in Britain or whether she's gone to France

2. used to introduce any indirect question

   he was not certain whether his friend was there or not

3. (coordinating) another word for either

   any man, whether liberal or conservative, would agree with me

4. archaic (coordinating) used to introduce a direct question consisting of two alternatives, the second of which is introduced by or or or whether

   whether does he live at home or abroad

5. 1. used as a conjunction as a variant of whether

   2. under any circumstances

      he will be here tomorrow, whether or no

6. if on the one hand…or even if on the other hand

   you'll eat that, whether you like it or not

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determiner

1. obsolete which (of two): used in direct or indirect questions

whether More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing whether

• not know whether

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Usage

See if.

Etymology

Origin of whether

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English hwether, hwæther, equivalent to hwe- (base of hwā who ) + -ther comparative suffix; cognate with Old Norse hvatharr, Gothic hwathar

Example Sentences

Francois Benchendikh, a senior lecturer in public law at the Sciences Po Lille university, said the debate in court will focus on whether the Dunkirk centre is considered to be residential accommodation or not.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Without standardized testing in admissions, professors said they don’t know whether incoming students can handle college-level math.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

Under the legislation, the city’s Department of Finance will determine whether a residence is a second home and calculate its market value.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

"We'll see over the next few hours and days whether progress can be made," said Rubio.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

He might offer you an icicle treat or ask your opinion on whether a mid-late-morning nap is preferable to a late-mid-afternoon nap.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el