Either
/ˈiː.ðər/noun
Used to indicate a choice between two options.
Did you know?The word 'either' has roots in Old English, where it meant 'each of two' and was often used in contexts relating to duality and choice, reflecting ancient beliefs in the power of options.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ei-
“to go, to be, to exist”
Old English
Old English
ǣgðer
“each of the two, either of the two”
Middle English
Middle English
either
“one of two; either of the two options”
14th Century
Middle English
either
“used to emphasize choice between two alternatives”
Modern English
English
either
“to indicate a choice between two possibilities”
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