Meaning & Definition of word "Either"
to
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.