Word: Neither

Pronunciation

/ˈnɛðər/

Definitions

• Adjective: Not one nor the other of two people or things; not either. For example: “Neither of them came to the party.”
• Conjunction: Introducing a negative statement referring to two alternatives, meaning ‘not the one and not the other’. For example: “Neither John nor Mary knows the answer.”
• Adverb: Not in any degree; not at all. Often used with “nor” to negate two possibilities. Example: “It was neither hot nor cold outside.”

Phrases

• “Neither here nor there”: Refers to something that is irrelevant or immaterial to the matter at hand.
• “Neither a borrower nor a lender be”: From Shakespeare’s Hamlet, this phrase advises against becoming financially involved with others.
• “Neither fish nor fowl”: Describes something that doesn’t fit into a specific category or classification.

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “I like neither coffee nor tea.”
• Conjunction: “Neither the teacher nor the students knew the correct answer.”
• Adverb: “She was neither surprised nor upset by the news.”

Synonyms

• Not one
• Not either
• None of the two
• No (used in some cases)
• Not both