neither

/ˈnaɪðər/

/ˈnaɪðə/

When offered a choice between two things you don't like, you might choose neither. Whereas "either" means you would pick one, neither closes the door on both, saying you do "not" choose "either" one.

The adjective neither comes directly from Middle English, evolving from the word nawther. Neither is versatile, and can be used as a pronoun, ("Neither of your ideas works"), or an adjective ("Neither plan can be used"). It can also be used as a conjunction, in which case it is usually paired with "nor" ("We can use neither your first suggestion nor your second one"). Sounds like you're having a tough day.

Definitions of neither

1. adverb

   used to indicate something also does not apply, as in "He didn't like it and neither did I"
2. conjunction

   used with "nor" to indicate not either of two choices or possibilities, as in "Neither his mother nor his father could attend parents night"
3. pronoun

   not one or the other being discussed, as in "Neither is a good option: or "Neither can be believed"
4. adjective

   not either; not one or the other
   synonyms:

   incomplete, uncomplete

   not complete or total; not completed