either

[ˈaɪðər]

either Definition

• 1. used before the first of two or more alternatives that are being specified (the other being introduced by “or”)
• 2. one or the other of two people or things
• 3. each of two

Using either: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "either" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  You can either come with me or stay here.

• Example

  Either way, we'll have to leave early.

• Example

  I don't like either of them.

• Example

  You can take either road to get there.

either Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for either

• any
• one or the other
• whichever

Antonyms for either

• both
• neither

Phrases with either

• either/or

  used to refer to a situation in which there is a choice between two different plans of action, but both cannot be done

  Example

  It's either him or me.

• either way

  used to say that it does not matter which of two possible courses of action is taken because the result will be the same

  Example

  Either way, we'll have to leave early.

• either one

  used to refer to each of two things, when the choice between them is not important

  Example

  Either one of us could do it.

Origins of either

from Old English 'ǣgther', meaning 'each of two'

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Summary: either in Brief

The term 'either' [ˈaɪðər] is a conjunction, determiner, and pronoun used to introduce one of two or more alternatives, as in 'You can either come with me or stay here.' It can also refer to one or the other of two people or things, as in 'I don't like either of them.' 'Either' extends into phrases like 'either/or,' denoting a choice between two options, and 'either way,' indicating that the outcome is the same regardless of the choice.