WHICH Meaning and
Definition
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Which is a relative pronoun used to introduce a subordinate clause and indicate a choice or selection among a specified set of people, things, or options. It is often employed to inquire about an individual or thing from a specific group or category. "Which" helps to identify a particular item or person when there are multiple possibilities or options to choose from.
Additionally, "which" can function as a determiner, preceding a noun or noun phrase to specify or distinguish a particular object or category. This pronoun is commonly used in questions to seek specific information or clarification about a particular person or thing among a known set of options.
In grammar, "which" is considered a non-restrictive relative pronoun as it provides additional, non-essential information about the antecedent. It is often set off by commas in these cases. The pronoun "which" is distinct from "that" in that "which" is used primarily to refer to non-restrictive clauses, while "that" is employed for restrictive clauses.
Overall, "which" serves the purpose of narrowing down choices, inquiring about specific options, and offering additional descriptions or details about an antecedent. Its usage is crucial in facilitating clear communication and conveying precise meaning within a given context.
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An interrogative, as, "which is the house?" the so-called neuter of who; a word used when referring to something going before, as a place, animal, thing, or a phrase; used as a demonstrative adj., as, "take which you will".
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WHICH *
* 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 WHICH
Etymology of WHICH
The word "which" has Old English origins and its etymology can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic language. It is derived from the Old English word "hwilc", which means "which" or "who". "Hwilc" is a combination of "hwi" (meaning "who") and "lic" (a suffix used to indicate similarity). The term "which" has remained relatively unchanged over time, maintaining its form and meaning in both Old English and modern English.
Idioms with the word WHICH
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know which side your bread is buttered (on)
The idiom "know which side your bread is buttered (on)" means to understand where one's advantage lies or where one's loyalty should be directed. It refers to being aware of the person or situation that provides the most benefits or support, and acting accordingly to maintain that advantage or loyalty.
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not know where/which way to turn
The idiom "not know where/which way to turn" means to be in a state of confusion, indecisiveness, or helplessness, unable to determine a course of action or find a solution to a problem. It denotes feeling lost, overwhelmed, or without options.
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which is which
The idiom "which is which" means to distinguish or differentiate between two or more similar things or people in order to determine their identities or characteristics. It implies a situation where it is difficult to tell one thing apart from another, and one is seeking to establish the correct or true understanding.
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see which way the wind is blowing
The idiom "see which way the wind is blowing" means to assess a situation or a group's opinions or attitudes in order to predict future actions or make decisions accordingly. It signifies the act of observing or understanding the prevailing sentiments or trends to determine the best course of action.
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see which way the cat jumps
The idiom "see which way the cat jumps" means to wait and watch for a particular outcome or decision before taking any action. It refers to the strategy of observing the behavior or direction of others, particularly influential people, to determine one's own course of action. The phrase suggests that by observing and understanding the actions and choices of others, one can make more informed decisions.
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know which side bread is buttered on
The idiom "know which side bread is buttered on" means to understand one's own interests and to act accordingly in order to maintain a favorable or advantageous position. It refers to knowing who or what provides benefits or advantages and being mindful not to jeopardize that relationship or situation.
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know which side bread is buttered
The idiom "know which side bread is buttered" means to understand where one's best interests lie or to be aware of the sources of one's benefits or advantages. It generally implies recognizing and acknowledging a situation or person that provides support, resources, or advantages that should not be taken for granted or jeopardized.
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which way the wind is blowing
The idiom "which way the wind is blowing" refers to determining or interpreting the current trends, public opinion, or prevailing attitudes regarding a particular situation or topic. It suggests the need to understand and adapt to the prevailing circumstances or popular sentiment in order to make informed decisions or adjust one's actions accordingly.
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know which side one's bread is buttered on
The idiom "know which side one's bread is buttered on" means to understand and prioritize one's own best interests or advantageous position in a certain situation. It signifies being aware of the people, circumstances, or opportunities that are beneficial and align with one's goals or well-being.
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which brings me to the point
The idiom "which brings me to the point" is used to transition to or introduce the primary topic or main idea in a discussion or conversation. It signals that the speaker is about to address the central or most important aspect of the matter at hand.
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know which is which
The idiom "know which is which" refers to the ability to distinguish between two or more similar things or people. It means being able to differentiate and recognize the subtle or significant differences between them. It implies having a clear understanding or knowledge of the specific characteristics or qualities that make each thing or person unique or distinct from one another.
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Happy is the country which has no history.
The idiom "Happy is the country which has no history" suggests that a nation without a significant or tumultuous past may have a better chance at peace and prosperity. It implies that a lack of historical events, such as wars or conflicts, can lead to a content and harmonious society. This idiom may also be interpreted as an expression of the belief that a country unaffected by historical burdens can thrive and enjoy a simpler and more carefree existence.
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not know which way to turn
The idiom "not know which way to turn" refers to feeling confusion or being unsure about what course of action to take in a particular situation. It implies being at a loss or having no clear direction or solution.
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know which way to turn
The idiom "know which way to turn" means to be clear on the appropriate action or decision to make in a particular situation. It refers to having the knowledge, experience, or guidance needed to navigate through challenges or obstacles effectively.
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every which way
The idiom "every which way" means in many different directions or in a disorderly or chaotic manner.
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ever which way
The idiom "ever which way" refers to a situation in which objects or people are arranged or scattered in a disordered or haphazard manner, lacking any specific order or direction. It implies a sense of confusion, disorder, or chaos.
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not know which end is up
The idiom "not know which end is up" means to be disoriented, confused, or unable to make sense of a situation. It implies a state of being completely lost or overwhelmed.
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ever(y) which way
The idiom "every which way" refers to something happening in all directions, without any specific pattern or order. It conveys a sense of chaos or disorder, indicating that things are happening in various and often conflicting ways.
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know on which side bread is buttered
The idiom "know on which side bread is buttered" means to understand where one's advantage or benefit lies, particularly in a specific situation or relationship. It suggests being aware of and making choices that promote personal gain or self-interest.
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know which side your bread is buttered
The idiom "know which side your bread is buttered" means to be aware of what is in one's best interest or to know who has the power or provides the resources that benefit you. It suggests understanding and prioritizing the relationships, connections, or opportunities that are advantageous in order to maintain one's advantage or benefit from them.
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any which way
The idiom "any which way" is typically used to indicate that something can be done or arranged in various ways or manners, without any specific or particular preference. It refers to allowing flexibility or lack of strict rules in terms of options, directions, or approaches.
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know on which side your bread is buttered
The idiom "know on which side your bread is buttered" means to understand where one's best interests lie and to act accordingly in order to maintain favorable relationships or opportunities. It implies being aware of who holds the power or influence over one's situation and making choices or behaving in a way that aligns with their desires or expectations to ensure continued advantages.
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know which side of one's bread is buttered
The idiom "know which side of one's bread is buttered" means to be aware of one's own best interests or advantages, especially in regards to the people or situations that can benefit them. It refers to being knowledgeable about where one's benefits or sources of livelihood come from and acting accordingly to maintain those advantages.
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know which way the wind blows
The idiom "know which way the wind blows" is commonly used to describe someone who is perceptive and able to understand the true nature of a situation or predict which way popular opinion is shifting. It refers to being aware of the prevailing circumstances or current trends in order to make informed decisions or judgments.
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see which way the wind blows
The idiom "see which way the wind blows" means to observe or assess a situation or issue before taking any action or making a decision. It implies that one is waiting to see how others respond or which direction prevailing opinions or circumstances might take before committing to a course of action. It can also refer to adaptability or opportunism, waiting for the most favorable conditions or trends to emerge before making a choice.
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way the wind blows, which
The idiom "way the wind blows" refers to the prevailing opinions, attitudes, or trends of a particular situation or group of people. When someone is said to "go with the way the wind blows", it means that they adapt their actions or beliefs according to what is currently popular or acceptable, rather than having a strong, independent stance.
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which way the wind blows
The idiom "which way the wind blows" refers to the ability to understand or predict the current situation or prevailing opinion, particularly in a dynamic or rapidly changing context. It signifies the act of determining the course of events or public sentiment in order to make a decision or take advantage of a situation.
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know which end is up
The idiom "know which end is up" means to have a clear understanding of a situation or to be able to distinguish between right and wrong. It implies having knowledge and discernment to make correct choices or decisions.
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a peg on which to hang something
The idiom "a peg on which to hang something" refers to a basis or foundation to build or support an argument, idea, or concept. It implies having a point of reference or evidence that can be used to strengthen or justify a particular viewpoint or belief.
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that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger
The idiom "that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger" means that enduring and overcoming difficult or challenging experiences or obstacles can make a person mentally, emotionally, or physically stronger, and can contribute to their personal growth and resilience.
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not know which way to look
The idiom "not know which way to look" refers to a state of confusion or being overwhelmed by multiple things happening simultaneously. It implies that someone is unsure of where to direct their attention or focus due to a bewildering or overwhelming situation.
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not know which way/where to look
The idiom "not know which way/where to look" means to feel overwhelmed or confused by a situation, typically due to being confronted with multiple embarrassing, unexpected, or socially uncomfortable situations simultaneously. It implies a sense of being at a loss and not knowing how to respond or react.
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not know which way/where to turn
The idiom "not know which way/where to turn" means feeling confused, uncertain, or overwhelmed about what to do next in a difficult situation. It implies being at a loss or lacking direction and not knowing how to proceed.
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which way the wind lies
The idiom "which way the wind lies" means to assess and understand the prevailing opinions, attitudes, or trends of a situation or group of people. It refers to the ability to gauge the direction of public sentiment or to determine which way the circumstances are likely to go.
Similar spelling words for WHICH
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