whetherwheth‧er /ˈweðə $ -ər/ ●●● S1 W1 conjunction 
Maurice asked me whether I needed any help. There were times when I wondered whether or not we would get there.whether to do something She was uncertain whether to stay or leave. I didn’t know whether to believe him or not. The question arose as to whether this behaviour was unlawful.2used to say that something definitely will or will not happen whatever the situation is: It seemed to me that she was in trouble whether Mahoney lived or died. Look, Kate, I’m calling the doctor, whether you like it or not. Poor farmers, whether owners or tenants, will be worst affected. ► Do not confuse with the noun weather (=conditions outside such as rain, snow, sun, wind etc).
WORD ORIGINwhether
Origin:
Old English hwæther, hwetherEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- He asked me whether I wanted to play golf this afternoon.
- I'm sure we'll see each other again soon, whether here or in New York.
Longman Language Activatorwhen something is certain and impossible to avoid
· War now seems inevitable.· Nina could never escape the inevitable comparisons that people made between her and her twin.inevitable result/consequence · If the population continues to expand, Ehrlich argues, mass starvation and ecological disaster will be the inevitable consequence. · The price of bread was doubled, with the inevitable result - riots in the streets of Paris.it is inevitable (that) · It was inevitable that he'd find out her secret sooner or later.
use this to tell someone that something is certain to happen and that they cannot prevent it even if they do not like it: · You're going to have to face him one day, whether you like it or not.· Whether she likes it or not, she's got to accept that her kids are grown up now.
something that is predestined will certainly happen and cannot be changed because it has been decided in advance by a power or force beyond our control: · Life isn't a series of predestined events: we have some control over what happens.predestined to do something: · Many religions teach that man is predestined to suffer.
if you know that a situation is meant to be you know it is certain to happen, especially because it is right and suitable: · We tried to be happy together but it was never meant to be.· Although saying goodbye was painful, she knew it was meant to be.
something that is definitely going to happen and cannot be avoided or prevented: · It's time they accepted the inevitable and got a divorce.bow to the inevitable (=accept something that cannot be prevented): · Week after week the papers were full of revelations about the minister's alleged corrupt dealings, until eventually he bowed to the inevitable and resigned.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY There were times when I wondered whether or not we would get there. She was uncertain whether to stay or leave. I didn’t know whether to believe him or not. The question arose as to whether this behaviour was unlawful. Look, Kate, I’m calling the doctor, whether you like it or not.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES It’s debatable whether this book is as good as her last. Whether the object was used for rituals is highly debatable. You can complain, but I doubt if it’ll make any difference. He’s going to do it whether we like it or not.
There were times when I wondered whether or not we would get there. She was uncertain whether to stay or leave. I didn’t know whether to believe him or not. The question arose as to whether this behaviour was unlawful. Look, Kate, I’m calling the doctor, whether you like it or not. It’s debatable whether this book is as good as her last. Whether the object was used for rituals is highly debatable. You can complain, but I doubt if it’ll make any difference. (=using unfair methods if necessary)· They were determined to achieve victory, by fair means or foul.
He’s going to do it whether we like it or not.PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1used when talking about a choice you have to make or about something that is not certain: - Andre's so in love he doesn't know whether he's coming or going.
- When the whole cake fell off the table, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
- You're going to the dentist, whether you like it or not.
- Another 10 percent or so will vote Republican, no matter what.
- As devoted parents, they want to stand by their son no matter what happens.
- But inside the Forum, no matter how lopsided the talent levels, the setting alone made it great.
- But the algorithm is the same finite set of instructions no matter how big the numbers.
- My priority is to drive the business, bring in the revenue, no matter what it takes.
- The Universe is one organic whole, no matter how diverse and widely differing its manifold aspects may seem to be.
- Throughout the century, no matter what the current literary rage, Contemporary Romances have maintained a quiet, yet devoted audience.
- As David said, the union simply does not give a shit.
- I wonder if you could help me.
- For a few days I wondered if it could be used mysteriously in some odd and wonderful crepe batter.
- I didn't tell you this the other day when I made you all laugh. I wonder whether I am odd.
- I let a moment pass. I wondered if I could just shut up and let the subject die.
- I was beginning to enjoy the game. I wondered if she was enjoying it too.
- In fact, I wonder if, ethically, we should even be asking people to organize.
- It was by now that and I wondered whether chilli had been a good choice for a hot meal.
- Mind you, I wonder if, at their age, they realise that kippers are smoked herrings.
- Mr. Howard I wonder whether the hon. Gentleman is citing Lambeth council as a model of efficiency and good practice.
- I was wondering if you could babysit tomorrow night.
- We were wondering if you'd like to come with us.
- Actually, I was wondering if I could paint the room?
- I guess I was wondering if people would still call me a hippie if I cut my hair off, you know.
- Next weekend. I was wondering if you fancied coming along for the ride.
- We were finally talking about bodies. I was wondering whether he would ever make a move.
Maurice asked me whether I needed any help. There were times when I wondered whether or not we would get there.whether to do something She was uncertain whether to stay or leave. I didn’t know whether to believe him or not. The question arose as to whether this behaviour was unlawful.2used to say that something definitely will or will not happen whatever the situation is: It seemed to me that she was in trouble whether Mahoney lived or died. Look, Kate, I’m calling the doctor, whether you like it or not. Poor farmers, whether owners or tenants, will be worst affected. ► Do not confuse with the noun weather (=conditions outside such as rain, snow, sun, wind etc).- priggish
- priggishness
- prim
- prima ballerina
- primacy
- prima donna
- primaeval
- prima facie
- primal
- primarily
- primary
- primary care
- primary colour
- primary election
- primary health care
- primary school
- primary source
- primary stress
- Primate
- primate
- prime
- Prime Meridian
- Prime Minister
- Prime Minister's Question Time
- prime mover