conj · det · pron · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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wĕthər
/ˈwɛðə(ɹ)/
hwĕthər
/ˈʍɛðə(ɹ)/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET 2:HH W EH1 DH ER0
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
conj
Meaning 1
Introduces a simple indirect question (without a correlative).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
Whether we'll be on time I'm unsure.
Do you know whether he's coming?
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
conj
Meaning 2
Indicates doubt between possibilities (usually with correlative or).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
He chose the correct answer, but whether by luck or by skill I don't know.
I can't decide whether to get divorced now or wait.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
conj
Meaning 3
Introduces a disjunctive adverbial clause qualifying the main clause (with correlative or).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
He's coming, whether you like it or not.
I'll enjoy playing with my friends again, whether we win or lose.
Whether or not you're successful, you can be sure you did your best.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
conj
Meaning 4
Introduces a direct question between alternatives (often with correlative or).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: obsolete
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
det
Meaning 5
Which of two.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: obsolete
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
pron
Meaning 6
Which of two.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: obsolete
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
From Middle English whether, whather, from Old English hweþer, hwæþer, from Proto-West Germanic *hwaþar, from Proto-Germanic *hwaþeraz, comparative form of *hwaz (“who”). Cognate with North Frisian weđer (“if, whether”), German weder (“neither”), Swedish var (“each, every”), Icelandic hvor (“each of two, which of two”).
Across languages
Translations
158 source translations are retained for this English entry.