| |||||||||
either2 S1 W1
1 one or the other of two things or people [↪ any]:
There's tea or coffee - you can have either.
We can offer a comfortable home to a young person of either sex.
There's tea or coffee - you can have either.
We can offer a comfortable home to a young person of either sex.2 used to show that a negative statement is true about both of two things or people [↪ neither]:
I've lived in New York and Chicago, but don't like either city very much.
I've lived in New York and Chicago, but don't like either city very much. either of
There were two witnesses but I wouldn't trust either of them.
There were two witnesses but I wouldn't trust either of them.3 both sides, ends, hands etc [= each]:
He sat in the back of the car with a policeman on either side.
There are shops at either end of the street.
either side/end/hand etc
He sat in the back of the car with a policeman on either side.
There are shops at either end of the street.4
either way
a) used to say that something will be the same whichever of two things happens or is true :
You can get to Edinburgh by train or plane, but either way it's very expensive.
You can get to Edinburgh by train or plane, but either way it's very expensive.b) more or less than a certain amount or measurement :
A few marks either way can make the difference between a pass and a fail.
A few marks either way can make the difference between a pass and a fail.c) used to say that someone or something does not firmly support or want either one of two things :
'All right, let's do that,' said Camille, who didn't care either way.
'All right, let's do that,' said Camille, who didn't care either way.5 if a situation could go either way, both possible results are equally likely :
The latest opinion poll suggests the vote could go either way.
could go either way
The latest opinion poll suggests the vote could go either way.