Meaning & Definition of word "Either"

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    Either

    /ˈiːðər/

    adjective:

    • 1. Used to refer to one or the other of two items.
      • Example: You can take either road to get to the lake.
    • 2. Referring to each of two people or things.
      • Example: Either side of the argument has its merits.

    conjunction:

    • 1. Used to introduce a choice between two alternatives.
      • Example: You can either have coffee or tea.
    • 2. Used to give emphasis to a choice between two items.
      • Example: Either option works for me.
    • 3. Used to indicate that something is true of one member of a pair and also true of the other.
      • Example: Either of the solutions will solve the problem.

    pronoun:

    • 1. Used to refer to one or the other of two people or things.
      • Example: Either of the books would be a good choice.
    • 2. Used in negatives and questions to indicate a lack of preference.
      • Example: I didn't like either of the movies.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old English 'āgēnor' meaning 'each of two'

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    either or:

    used to indicate a choice between two options.

    either way:

    in any case; regardless of the outcome.

    either here or there:

    indicating two possible locations.

    Related Words

    neither:

    used to indicate not one or the other of two or more options.

    either-or:

    a situation presenting two alternatives.

    Slang Meanings of either

    Meaning: either way

    Example Sentence: I’m fine either way!

    Meaning: either/or dilemma

    Example Sentence: It's an either/or situation, we need to decide.