Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Language: Old English
Origin: hwæther, hwether

whether

 conjunction
     
wheth‧er S1 W1
1 used when talking about a choice you have to make or about something that is not certain:
Maurice asked me whether I needed any help.
There were times when I wondered whether or not we would get there.
whether to do something
She was uncertain whether to stay or leave.
I didn't know whether to believe him or not.
The question arose as to whether this behaviour was unlawful.
2 used to say that something definitely will or will not happen whatever the situation is:
It seemed to me that she was in trouble whether Mahoney lived or died.
Look, Kate, I'm calling the doctor, whether you like it or not.
Poor farmers, whether owners or tenants, will be worst affected.
! Do not confuse with weather (=conditions outside such as rain, snow, sun, wind etc)
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

Dictionary pictures of the day
Do you know what each of these is called?
What is the word for picture 1? What is the word for picture 2? What is the word for picture 3? What is the word for picture 4?
Click on any of the pictures above to find out what it is called.

Explore our topic dictionary

Browse the dictionary