whether

Whether is defined as a word used to introduce an alternative.

(conjunction)

An example of whether is what someone would say when asking her child if she would like vanilla or chocolate ice cream.

See whether in Webster's New World College Dictionary

conjunction

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

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

pronoun

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

See whether in American Heritage Dictionary 4

conjunction

Used in indirect questions to introduce one alternative: We should find out whether the museum is open. See Usage Notes at doubt, if.
Used to introduce alternative possibilities: Whether she wins or whether she loses, this is her last tournament.
Either: He passed the test, whether by skill or luck.

pron.
Archaic

Which: “We came in full View of a great Island or Continent, (for we knew not whether)” (Jonathan Swift).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English hwether; see k^wo- in Indo-European roots

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