Neither

/ˈnaɪðər/

Meaning & Definition

conjunction

Used to introduce two or more negative alternatives.

Neither the rain nor the snow could stop the event from happening.

Used to indicate that something is not the case for either of two people or things.

I want neither of those options presented to me.

Used to connect two statements that have a negative meaning.

Neither John nor Mary finished their homework on time.

pronoun

Not one nor the other of two people or things.

Neither of the answers was correct.

Used as a way to express the absence of both options.

I was offered neither tea nor coffee at the meeting.

Old English 'nāther', from 'nā' (not) + 'þer' (there).

neither here nor there

Not relevant or significant; not important to the matter at hand.

neither fish nor fowl

Something that cannot be classified into a clear category or group.

neither use nor ornament

Something that serves no useful purpose.

either

Used to indicate a choice between two alternatives.

nor

Used to introduce a further negative statement.

not

A word used to express negation.