either

Pronunciation

• (UK) enPR: ī′thə(r) or ē′thə(r) IPA ^(key): /ˈaɪ.ðə(r)/ or /ˈiː.ðə(r)/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈaɪ.ðɚ/ or /ˈi.ðɚ/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Audio (US)

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Determiner

Determiner either

1. (indefinite) (singular) (count) Any one out of two options.

   I can write with either hand.

   You can drink either tea or coffee.

   They can be used either alone or in groups.

   Few people liked it; most either ignored it or hated it.

2. (definite) (singular) (count) Each or both from two options.

   The room has a door at either end.

   People were walking on either side of the road.

   I can't find either shoe. I have lost both shoes.

   I have a blue coat and a green coat. Either will keep me warm.

   There will still be problems in either of the following two cases.

Adverb

Positive either

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. Used in negative statements to mean too or also.
   • Synonyms: or and any
   • Antonym: neither

   I don't like him and I don't like her either.

   I can't sing and I can't dance either.

   No other country has any real friends either.

Usage notes

• You use either to pick out one of two choices when it does not matter which one is chosen. When faced with more than two choices, you should use any.