Either: meaning, definitions and examples

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either

 

[ ˈaɪ.ðər ]

Conjunction / Adverb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Conjunction

used before the first of two or more possibilities

used before the first of two or more possibilities that are not exclusive and that are given to indicate the equality of the possibilities

Synonyms

or, regardless, whether

Examples of usage

  • Either Mark or John will come to the party.
  • I will either go to the beach or stay home and read a book.
Context #2 | Adverb

used to emphasize a comparative

used to emphasize a comparative

Synonyms

exceptionally, extremely, remarkably

Examples of usage

  • He is either very brave or very foolish.
  • She is either extremely happy or extremely sad.

Translations

Translations of the word "either" in other languages:

🇵🇹 qualquer um

🇮🇳 कोई एक

🇩🇪 entweder

🇮🇩 salah satu

🇺🇦 будь-який

🇵🇱 którykolwiek

🇯🇵 どちらか

🇫🇷 n'importe lequel

🇪🇸 cualquiera

🇹🇷 herhangi biri

🇰🇷 어느 하나

🇸🇦 أي واحد

🇨🇿 kterýkoliv

🇸🇰 ktorýkoľvek

🇨🇳 任意一个

🇸🇮 katerikoli

🇮🇸 hvort

🇰🇿 кез келген

🇬🇪 ნებისმიერი

🇦🇿 hər hansı biri

🇲🇽 cualquiera

Etymology

The word 'either' originated from Old English 'ǣgther', which was a combination of 'ā' (always, ever) and 'hwæðer' (which of two, whether). Over time, the pronunciation and spelling evolved to the current form. 'Either' has been used in English since the 12th century, providing options and emphasizing comparatives.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #213, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.