How Do You Spell EITHER?

Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ɪðə] (IPA)

The word "either" may seem simple to spell, but it can cause confusion. The correct pronunciation is /ˈaɪðər/, with a long "i" sound and a "th" sound represented by the letters "th." Many people mistakenly spell it as "eather" or "ayther." It's important to remember that the "i" comes before the "th" and to pronounce it accordingly. Proper spelling is important, as it can affect communication and understanding when writing or reading.

EITHER Meaning and Definition

  1. Either is an inclusive term used to imply that one of the two options or alternatives being presented is to be chosen or selected. It is often used to express a choice or a preference between two possibilities. This term emphasizes the idea that there is a selection to be made, and it typically refers to two options that are mutually exclusive, implying that only one can be chosen or occur.

    "Either" can be an adverb, pronoun, or conjunction depending on its context. As an adverb, it is used to indicate a choice between two alternatives: "You can choose either the red or the blue dress." As a pronoun, it refers to one or the other of two people or things: "You can take either of the two roads." And as a conjunction, it is employed to introduce a choice between alternatives: "You can either go to the movies or stay at home."

    This word is often used in conversation or writing to emphasize the need for a decision, to present different options, or to express a preference among two possibilities. Its versatility makes it a valuable linguistic tool, allowing individuals to articulate preferences and define decisions between two distinct alternatives.

  2. • One of two; one or the other.
    • Introductory word or correlative to or-as, either he will hold to the one or despise the other.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for EITHER *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for EITHER

Etymology of EITHER

The word "either" has its roots in Old English. It can be traced back to the Old English word "ǣgther", which combines the words "ǣg" (meaning "each") and "hwæther" (meaning "of two"). Over time, "ǣgther" evolved into "either" in Middle English. The original meaning of "either" was "each of two", but it eventually came to have the meaning it has today, indicating a choice between two options.

Idioms with the word EITHER

  • either way The idiom "either way" means that regardless of the options or possibilities presented, the outcome or consequence will be the same or similar. It suggests that two or more alternatives will have a similar result or that the speaker is flexible and does not have a strong preference between the presented options.
  • me either The phrase "me either" is an idiomatic expression used to express agreement with a negative statement or to indicate that someone shares a similar viewpoint or opinion. It is often used as a response when someone says they do not like or prefer something.
  • on either hand The idiom "on either hand" refers to having options or choices available on both sides or in both directions. It suggests that there are two or more alternatives or possibilities to consider or pursue.
  • (either) feast or famine The idiom "(either) feast or famine" is used to describe a situation where there are extreme contrasts of abundance and scarcity, with no middle ground. It implies that one's circumstances swing between two extremes, experiencing either an excessive amount or a severe lack of something, such as opportunities, resources, success, wealth, etc.
  • on either/every ˈhand

Similar spelling words for EITHER

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