How to pronounce either
Say it like EE-ther. Either has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce either. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EE
- ther
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Either pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- therKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of either
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: EE-thuh.
Other ways to say either
Either also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- EYE-ther /ˈaɪðɚ/
What does either mean?
- after a negative statement used as an intensive meaning something like likewise or also“he isn't stupid, but he isn't exactly a genius either”“I don't know either”
Where does either come from?
The pronunciations with /iː/ and /eɪ/ respectively reflect Middle English forms in /ɛː/ and /æi/; the origin of that with /aɪ/ is less clear, but it may reflect a Middle English form with /iː/; see Middle English either for more discussion.
Words that rhyme with either
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of either.
Questions about saying either
How do you pronounce either?
Say EE-ther. The American pronunciation is /ˈiðɚ/. In British English it is /ˈiːðə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in either?
Either has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EE). Broken into parts: EE · ther.
Is either pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈiːðə/ (EE-thuh).