Neither - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Neither is a negative word used to indicate not one nor the other of two things or options. It often pairs with nor in sentences like Neither A nor B.
Definition:
Not one nor the other of two things or people.
Synonyms:
nor, not either, none
Part of Speech:
determiner, pronoun, conjunction, adverb
Antonyms:
both, either
Common Collocations:
neither one, neither of them, neither here nor there
Derivatives:
neithernor, neitherness (rare)
Usage Tips:
Use "neither" with "nor" to negate two options; ensure verb agreement with the closer subject.
Common Phrases:
neither here nor there, neither fish nor fowl, neither hide nor hair
Etymology:
From Old English "nāwþer," a contraction of "nāhwæþer" (not either).
Examples:
- 1. She likes neither coffee nor tea.
- 2. Neither of them was ready for the test.
- 3. He could find neither his keys nor his wallet.
- 4. Neither answer is correct.