Either

Definition

Either can function as a determiner, pronoun, adverb, and conjunction. It is used to indicate a choice between two options, meaning "one or the other." As an adverb or conjunction, it can also indicate a negative alternative when paired with "or."

Parts of Speech

• Determiner
• Pronoun
• Adverb
• Conjunction

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈiːðər/ or /ˈaɪðər/
• Respelling: EE-thər or EYE-thər

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈaɪðə/ or /ˈiːðə/
• Respelling: EYE-thuh or EE-thuh

Etymology

The word "either" originates from Old English "ǣgther," which meant "each of two" or "both." This term came from Proto-Germanic "*aiwtheraz" and was later influenced by Middle English to denote a choice between two alternatives.

Derivatives

• Either-or (noun/adjective)
• Either way (phrase)
• Neither (conjunction - negative form)
• Either-orism (noun - philosophical concept)
• Eitherness (noun - rare)

Synonyms

• Any one
• One
• Alternative

Antonyms

• Neither
• Both
• All

Usage

The term "either" is commonly used to present a choice or an alternative. For example, "You can choose either option A or option B." As an adverb, it can indicate a negative alternative: "I don’t like that movie, and I don’t like the other one either."

Related Terms

• Neither: Used to indicate "not one nor the other" when negating both options.
• Both: Refers to "the two of" something collectively rather than individually.
• Alternative: A choice between two or more options.

Detailed Definitions

Determiner

• Used before a singular noun to indicate one or the other of two people or things: Refers to one of two options or possibilities.
  • Example: "Either answer is acceptable."

Pronoun

• Refers to one or the other of two things: Used when the specific choice between two options is not yet made.
  • Example: "Take either of the two routes."

Adverb

• Used after a negative statement to mean "likewise" or "also not": Indicates a shared negative condition or agreement.
  • Example: "I don’t want to go, and he doesn’t either."

Conjunction

• Used to introduce the first of two options: Used with "or" to present alternatives.
  • Example: "Either you can start now, or you can wait until tomorrow."