[hweth
-er, weth-] 
| 1. | (used to introduce the first of two or more alternatives, and sometimes repeated before the second or later alternative, usually with the correlative or): It matters little whether we go or stay. Whether we go or whether we stay, the result is the same. |
| 2. | (used to introduce a single alternative, the other being implied or understood, or some clause or element not involving alternatives): See whether or not she has come. I doubt whether we can do any better. |
| 3. | Archaic. (used to introduce a question presenting alternatives, usually with the correlative or). |
| 4. | which or whichever (of two)? |
| 5. | whether or no, under whatever circumstances; regardless: He threatens to go whether or no. |
| wheth·er (hwěth'ər, wěth'-) conj.
Which: "We came in full View of a great Island or Continent, (for we knew not whether)" (Jonathan Swift). [Middle English, from Old English hwether; see kwo- in Indo-European roots.] |