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either

[ˈaɪðər]

either Definition

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

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

How do native speakers use this expression?