Either — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective pronoun conjunction adverb /ˈē-t͟hər/ ei·ther

Meaning & Definition of Either

Either (adjective)

  1. being the one and the other of two, each
  2. being the one or the other of two

Either (pronoun)

  1. the one or the other

Either (conjunction)

  1. —used as a function word before two or more coordinate words, phrases, or clauses joined usually by or to indicate that what immediately follows is the first of two or more alternatives

Either (adverb)

  1. likewise, moreover —used for emphasis after a negative
  2. for that matter —used for emphasis after an alternative following a question or conditional clause especially where negation is implied

Either (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. in addition to what has been said

    "you won't convince them, and, in fact, I don't agree either!"

    similar: additionally, again, also, besides, further, furthermore, likewise, more, moreover, then, too, withal, yet, as well, for good measure, in addition to, into the bargain, on top of, to boot, what's more

Either (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in several, specific

    similar: any, each, every, several, various, respective, specific, particular, all
    opposite: neither, no, none (archaic)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Either

The most common words with a similar meaning to Either:

additionally, again, also, besides, further, furthermore, likewise, more, moreover, then, too, withal, yet, as well, for good measure, in addition to, into the bargain, on top of, to boot, what's more, any, each, every, several, various, respective, specific, particular, all

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Either

Words with the opposite meaning of Either:

neither, no, none

Origin & Etymology of Either

Middle English, from Old English ǣghwæther both, each, from ā always + ge-, collective prefix + hwæther which of two, whether aye, co-

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Either

Words & Phrases Containing Either

either-or, either way, go either way

Frequently Asked Questions about Either

What does "Either" mean?

"Either" means being the one and the other of two, each. As an an adjective, a pronoun, a conjunction and an adverb, it is defined as: being the one and the other of two, each. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Either"?

Other words for "Either" include additionally, again, also, besides, further, furthermore, likewise and more. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Either" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Either"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Either". Common alternatives include additionally, again, also, besides, further, furthermore, likewise, more, moreover and then.

What is the opposite of "Either"?

Antonyms of "Either" include neither, no and none.

How do you use "Either" in a sentence?

Examples of "Either" in a sentence: "you won't convince them, and, in fact, I don't agree either!".

Is "Either" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Either" can be used as an adjective, a pronoun, a conjunction and an adverb, depending on the context.

Is "Either" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Either" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Either"?

"Either" is pronounced /ˈē-t͟hər/ and divided into syllables as ei·ther.