conjunction

whether

WETH-ur/ˈweðər/

Introduces a question or choice between possibilities.

She wonders whether to take her umbrella beneath the approaching clouds.

Uncertainty whether rain will arrive: a woman preparing to go out pauses at an open doorway, looking toward mixed sunshine and approaching dark clouds while holding a closed umbrella undecidedly.

Etymology

Old English hwæðer asked “which of two.” That choice between alternatives remains central when whether introduces possibilities without deciding which is true.

In context

Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski: True Crime Today18:06

whether this will end with a jury deciding between guilty and not guilty or between prison and execution.

Inside the Kohberger Courtroom: What the Judge Allowed—and What He Blocked!

More examples

I asked whether the store was open.
We must decide whether to leave now or wait.
Tell me whether you received the package.

Forms

whether