neither

The word “neither” means not one and not the other, of two things. In plain terms, the negative match to "either" — not this one and not that one.

“Neither” is pronounced NEYE-thuh (/ˈnaɪ.ðɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “neither” used in a sentence: “Neither option really appeals to me.”

Depending on how it is used, “neither” can be a det, a conjunction and an adverb.

The word “neither” comes from Middle English. From Middle English neiþer, reshaped under the influence of "either" from an earlier form meaning "not whether/which of the two.".

“Neither” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Neither” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not one and not the other, of two things.

'Either' refers to one or the other of two options and is positive, as in 'either answer works.' 'Neither' is its negative counterpart, meaning not one and not the other, as in 'neither answer works.' Use either when at least one applies, and neither when both are ruled out.

Traditionally, neither is treated as singular and takes a singular verb: 'neither option is suitable.' In everyday speech a plural verb, as in 'neither of them are here,' is common and widely accepted. In careful or formal writing, the singular form remains the safer choice.

Neither pairs with 'nor,' not 'or.' The correct construction is 'neither... nor,' as in 'neither tea nor coffee.' Keep the two parts balanced grammatically. 'Either,' by contrast, pairs with 'or,' as in 'either tea or coffee,' which is a handy way to remember the difference.

Neither can stand before a noun, as in 'neither team won,' pair with nor, as in 'neither hot nor cold,' or reply to a negative statement, as in 'I don't agree.' 'Neither do I.' In each case it signals that something is true of both things by ruling both of them out.