Weather vs Whether | Definition & Example Sentences
“Weather” refers to the state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place. Words like “rainy,” “dry,” “cold,” and “hot” are often used to describe the weather (e.g., “I checked the weather app and saw that it’ll be rainy later”).
“Whether” indicates a choice or expresses doubt (e.g., “I wonder whether she’ll eat at home or go out to a restaurant”).
| Examples: Weather in a sentence | Examples: Whether in a sentence |
|---|---|
| I asked her to check the weather before we went on a hike. | She wanted to know whether I bought the gift or made it. |
| I’m going to the beach, regardless of what the weather is like. | He said he’d pass the exam whether he studied or not. |
Weather definition
“Weather” is a noun that means “the condition of the atmosphere at a certain time and place in respect to heat, dryness, humidity, precipitation, wind, etc.”
“Weather” is derived from the Old English word “weder,” meaning “air and sky.”
I’m not used to cold weather, so I packed as many sweaters and jackets as I could.
We wanted to escape the winter weather, so we went to California.
“Weather” can also function as a verb that means “alter the appearance of something due to sun, rain, wind, or other harsh conditions” or “endure something difficult.”
Additionally, the past participle of this verb can also function as an adjective (e.g., “The bike was weathered because it was kept outside for so long”).
We will weather this challenge and come out stronger.
The company weathered the staff shortages as best they could.
Weather the storm meaning
“Weather the storm” is a popular idiom that means “to withstand a challenging time with minimal or no impact.” “Whether the storm” cannot be used to convey this meaning.
The small business managed to weather the storm with few financial losses.
The couple weathered the storm together and have been
together for two decades.
Whether definition
“Whether” is a conjunction that expresses doubt or indicates a choice between two possibilities. It also conveys that a statement is true in either of two cases.
He doesn’t know whether he should order coffee.
I’m watching the movie, whether it gets good or bad reviews.
“If” can be used as a synonym when using “whether” to express doubt, although it can be considered slightly less formal.
- Luke asked whether I bought the cake or baked it.
- Luke asked if I bought the cake or baked it.
Both sentences above convey that there are two possibilities (buying the cake or baking it).
However, it is not recommended to use “if” as a synonym for “whether” when expressing that something is true in either of two cases.
- I’m wearing the blue dress whether you like it or not.
- I’m wearing the blue dress if you like it or not.
The use of “if” in the sentence above does not accurately convey that something is happening regardless of the circumstances because “if” is typically used to introduce a conditional statement, which is not the case in this context.
Whether or not
The correct spelling of the idiom used to express doubt or choice between two options is “whether or not.” “Weather or not” is incorrect and should be avoided.
- Karen wants to know whether or not you’re going to lunch with us.
- Karen wants to know weather or not you’re going to lunch with us.
In many cases, it’s acceptable to omit “or not” and simply use “whether” without changing the meaning of the sentence. However, sometimes the “or not” is necessary to convey “regardless or whether” or “no matter if.”
- She asked whether he would attend the meeting.
- Derrick will go on the trip whether or not or not his friends join him.
- I will go swimming whether it rains.
Frequently asked questions about weather vs whether
- What does weather the storm mean?
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“Weather the storm” is an idiom that means “to endure and overcome something difficult, often with minimal impact.” For example, a company that was able to withstand financial difficulties can be described as one that “weathered the storm.”
You can use QuillBot to paraphrase online to accurately express what you mean.
- Is it under the weather or whether?
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The correct expression is under the weather, which is a euphemism for “feeling sick.”
Remember, “weather” refers to the condition of the atmosphere in a certain location, whereas “whether” is a conjunction that expresses doubt or indicates a choice between two options.
QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker can help you use “weather” and “whether” correctly.
- What are synonyms for under the weather?
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Synonyms for “under the weather” include:
- Feeling out of sorts
- Feeling poorly
- Feeling sick
- In poor health
- Not feeling well
You can use QuillBot to paraphrase online to accurately express what you mean.
