NEITHER Meaning and
Definition
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Neither is a conjunction that is used to introduce two or more alternatives, each of which is denied or rejected. It indicates that something does not belong to one category or the other, or that two options are equally rejected or denied. It is often used in negative constructions or to express a lack of preference or agreement.
In terms of negation, when used with the word "nor" after it, neither expresses the negative of both alternatives. It communicates the idea that something is not one thing and not the other either. For example, "He neither drank milk nor ate cheese" means that the person did not consume either milk or cheese.
In terms of agreement or preference, neither indicates that someone does not choose or favor either option. It signifies that they do not support or agree with one option and also reject the other. For instance, "Neither option appeals to me" implies that neither choice is preferred or selected by the person.
Neither can also be used as a pronoun standing for both of two things or people. In this case, it refers to two previously mentioned items and means "not either one." For example, "He can wear neither the red shirt nor the blue shirt" conveys that he cannot wear either of the two shirts mentioned.
Overall, neither is a versatile word that is commonly used to express negation, lack of preference, agreement, or selection between two alternatives.
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• Not the one or the other; not either.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for NEITHER *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for NEITHER
Etymology of NEITHER
The word "neither" comes from the Old English term "nāhwæther", which was formed by combining "nā" (meaning "not") with "hwæther" (meaning "either"). Over time, this term evolved into "neither" in Middle English, keeping the same meaning of "not either" or "not one or the other".
Idioms with the word NEITHER
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be neither here nor there
The idiom "be neither here nor there" means that something is not relevant or significant to a particular situation or discussion. It suggests that the topic being discussed or the information provided is not important or does not contribute to the current point or decision-making.
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be neither one thing nor the other
The idiom "be neither one thing nor the other" means to not clearly belong to any particular category, being in a state of ambiguity or indecisiveness, lacking clear characteristics or qualities. It describes something or someone that cannot be easily classified or identified.
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be neither fish nor fowl
The idiom "be neither fish nor fowl" means that something or someone does not belong to or fit properly into either of two categories or groups. It implies being in a state of ambiguity or not conforming to expectations or definitions.
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If you run after two hares, you will catch neither
The idiom "If you run after two hares, you will catch neither" means that trying to pursue or accomplish two conflicting goals simultaneously often leads to failure. It suggests that by dividing one's attention and efforts, both objectives will ultimately be unattainable. The idiom emphasizes the importance of focus, prioritization, and dedication in order to achieve success.
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neither here nor there
The idiom "neither here nor there" means that something is irrelevant or not pertinent to the current topic or situation. It suggests that the matter being discussed or mentioned does not have any effect or significance on the matter at hand.
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neither fish nor fowl
The idiom "neither fish nor fowl" refers to something or someone that does not belong to a specific category or cannot be easily classified. It describes a situation or person that is ambiguous, unclear, or doesn't fit neatly into a defined group or category. It signifies a state of being in between, not fully one thing nor another.
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neither does sm
The idiom "neither does sm" is typically used to express that someone or something is not able to accomplish a certain action or possess a particular quality, just like another person or thing. It implies that two or more entities are both unable to meet a specific expectation or requirement. This idiom is often used to highlight similarities in limitations or failures between multiple individuals or objects.
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Neither a borrower nor a lender be.
The idiom "Neither a borrower nor a lender be" is a phrase from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. It advises against borrowing and lending money or possessions, suggesting that it is better to avoid both positions as they can lead to complications and strain relationships. This idiom encourages self-reliance and independence, cautioning against relying on others or becoming indebted.
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me neither
The idiom "me neither" is a short form of "neither do I" or "I don't either," expressing agreement or similarity of feeling or opinion with someone else. It is commonly used as a response when one person makes a negative statement or expresses a lack of interest, and another person wants to indicate that they feel the same way or have the same perspective.
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Neither can I
The idiom "Neither can I" is a response or statement indicating that the speaker shares the same inability or lack of ability as the other person being referred to. It suggests agreement or similarity in the situation or circumstance being discussed.
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neither hide nor hair
The idiom "neither hide nor hair" means that there is no trace or indication of someone or something. It is used when you cannot find any signs or evidence of the person or object in question.
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neither chick nor child
The idiom "neither chick nor child" refers to someone who does not have any offspring or dependent family members. It is often used to describe someone who is single, childless, or without any immediate family.
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neither does
The idiom "neither does" is typically used to express agreement or concurrence with a negative statement made by someone else. It suggests that the speaker is in a similar situation or shares a similar opinion.
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neither fish nor flesh
The idiom "neither fish nor flesh" refers to something or someone that doesn't fit into a specific category or is difficult to define or classify. It describes a person, thing, or concept that doesn't belong clearly to one particular group and lacks a definite identity or purpose.
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neither fish, flesh, nor fowl
The idiom "neither fish, flesh, nor fowl" refers to something or someone that does not belong to any particular category or classification. It is used to describe something or someone that is indeterminate, not easily defined, or does not fit into any established group or category.
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neither fish, flesh, nor good red herring
The idiom "neither fish, flesh, nor good red herring" is used to describe something or someone that does not fit into any particular category or is difficult to classify. It often refers to something that is not clearly defined or does not conform to expectations. It implies that the person or thing being described is neither one thing nor another, lacking a clear identity or purpose. The phrase "good red herring" refers to a smoked fish that has a strong, distinct smell, which is often used as a decoy or distraction. Therefore, the idiom suggests that the subject is not only difficult to define but also deceptive or misleading.
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neither fish nor fowl (nor good red herring)
The idiom "neither fish nor fowl (nor good red herring)" typically refers to something or someone that does not fit into any particular category or cannot be easily classified or defined. It suggests a lack of distinctiveness or ambiguity. It can also convey a sense of being neither one thing nor another, thereby becoming difficult to understand or evaluate.
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hide nor hair, neither
The idiom "hide nor hair, neither" is a colloquial expression often used in negative statements or questions to indicate that there is no sign, trace, or evidence of something or someone. It emphasizes the complete absence or lack of a person or thing.
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neither hide nor hair of someone
The idiom "neither hide nor hair of someone" is used to describe a situation where there is no sign or trace of a person. It implies that the person is completely absent or missing.
Similar spelling words for NEITHER
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