which
which definition
which (hwic̸h, wic̸h)
pronoun
- what one (or ones) of the number of persons, things, or events mentioned or implied? which of the men answered? which do you want?
- the one (or ones) that he knows which he wants
- that: used as a relative referring to the thing, group, or event specified in the antecedent word, phrase, or clause: which can be used in a restrictive clause [the war which had just ended, the class to which he spoke], in a restrictive clause preceded by the pronoun that[he sacrificed that which he valued most], in a nonrestrictive clause [my car, which is not running; my family, in which she found a warm welcome], or, archaically, of a person [Our Father, which art in heaven]
- either, or any, of the persons, things, or events previously mentioned or implied; whichever take which you prefer
- a thing or fact that you are late—which reminds me, where were you yesterday?
Etymology: ME whiche < OE hwylc, hwelc, for *hwa-lic, lit., who like (akin to Goth hwileiks, OHG hwelīh, Ger welch): see who & -ly
adjective
- what one or ones (of the number mentioned or implied) which man (or men) answered? which books did he choose?
- whatever; no matter what try which method he pleased, he could not succeed
- being the one just mentioned he is very old, which fact is important
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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