either

¹ei·ther

adjective \ˈē-thər also ˈī-\

Definition of EITHER

1

: being the one and the other of two : each <flowers blooming on either side of the walk> <plays either instrument well>

2

: being the one or the other of two <take either road>

Examples of EITHER

1. French and English are closer to each other than either language is to Chinese.
2. You may take either road.
3. You may choose either answer.
4. Either way is all right with me.

Origin of EITHER

Middle English, from Old English ǣghwæther both, each, from ā always + ge-, collective prefix + hwæther which of two, whether — more at aye, co-

First Known Use: before 12th century

²either

pronoun

Definition of EITHER

: the one or the other <take either of the two routes>

Examples of EITHER

1. I haven't written to either of my parents.

First Known Use of EITHER

before 12th century

Rhymes with EITHER

breather, neither, sheather, teether

³either

conjunction

Definition of EITHER

—used as a function word before two or more coordinate words, phrases, or clauses joined usually by or to indicate that what immediately follows is the first of two or more alternatives <can be used either as a guest room or as an office>

First Known Use of EITHER

before 12th century

⁴either

adverb

Definition of EITHER

1

: likewise, moreover —used for emphasis after a negative <not smart or handsome either>

2

: for that matter —used for emphasis after an alternative following a question or conditional clause especially where negation is implied <who answers for the Irish parliament? or army either? — Robert Browning>

Examples of EITHER

1. <you won't convince them, and, in fact, I don't agree either!>

First Known Use of EITHER

15th century

Related to EITHER

Synonyms

additionally, again, also, besides, more, further, furthermore, likewise, moreover, then, too, withal, yet