whether

Definition

Introduces a simple indirect question (without a correlative).

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”).

Example Sentences

• "Whether we'll be on time I'm unsure."
• "Do you know whether he's coming?"
• "He chose the correct answer, but whether by luck or by skill I don't know."

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