Meaning & Definition of word "Neither"

Neither

/ˈnaɪðər/

1. Used to introduce two or more negative alternatives.
- Example: Neither the rain nor the snow could stop the event from happening.
2. Used to indicate that something is not the case for either of two people or things.
- Example: I want neither of those options presented to me.
3. Used to connect two statements that have a negative meaning.
- Example: Neither John nor Mary finished their homework on time.

1. Not one nor the other of two people or things.
- Example: Neither of the answers was correct.
2. Used as a way to express the absence of both options.
- Example: 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.