neither

UK: ˈnaɪðə | US: ˈniːðər

Definition
  1. adj. not one nor the other of two things or people

  2. conj. used to introduce a further negative statement

  3. adv. similarly not; also not

Structure
ne <not>either <one of two>
Etymology

The word "neither" originates from Old English nāwþer, a contraction of (not) + hwæþer (which of two). Over time, it evolved into Middle English neither, combining the negative prefix "ne-" (from Old English ne) with "either" (from Old English ǣgþer). The morpheme "ne-" reinforces negation, while "either" clarifies the binary context. This dual negation structure reflects the word's role in rejecting both options in a pair.

Examples
  1. Neither option seems appealing to me.

  2. She didn’t call, and neither did he.

  3. Neither of the books was available at the library.

  4. He can’t swim, and neither can his brother.

  5. Neither rain nor snow will stop the event.