whether

whether Definition

whether (hwet̸h′ər, wet̸h′-)

if it be the case or fact that: used to introduce an indirect question ask whether she will help
in case; in either case that: used to introduce alternatives, the second of which is preceded by or or by or whether[whether he drives or (whether he) flies, he'll be on time]: sometimes, the second is merely implied or understood [we don't know whether he'll improve (or not)]
either taxation to support the war, whether just or unjust

Etymology: ME < OE hwæther (akin to Ger weder, neither) < IE *kwotero-, which (of two) < base *kwo-, who (> what) + compar. suffix

Archaic which (esp. of two): used interrogatively and relatively

whether Idioms

whether or no

in any case

whether Synonyms

conj.

if, either, even if, if it follows that, in case.

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