Which

Definition

Which is a pronoun and determiner used to specify one or more items from a defined set. It is used in questions, relative clauses, and to offer choices.

Parts of Speech

• Pronoun
• Determiner

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wɪtʃ/
• Respelling: wich

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wɪtʃ/
• Respelling: wich

Etymology

The word "which" originates from Old English "hwilc," meaning "what one, of what kind," derived from Proto-Germanic "*khwilikaz" and Proto-Indo-European "*kwi-" (who, what). Over time, its usage evolved to focus on selection or specification.

Derivatives

• Whichever (pronoun/determiner)
• Whichsoever (archaic)
• Whereto (adverb, rare)
• Whichness (noun, rare)
• Unwhich (obsolete)

Synonyms

• What
• That
• Whom

Antonyms

• None

Usage

As a pronoun, "which" is used to ask for clarification or specification. For example, "Which is your favorite book?"

As a determiner, "which" introduces a choice or identifies a specific item. For example, "Which movie did you watch?"

Related Terms

• Who: Refers to a person or people.
• What: Asks about things or concepts.
• That: Used to specify or define.

Detailed Definitions

Pronoun

• Used to ask for identification from a group or list: Refers to selecting one or more items.
  • Example: "Which of these pens is yours?"
• Used in relative clauses to provide additional information: Refers to a previously mentioned subject.
  • Example: "The book, which I borrowed, is fascinating."

Determiner

• Used to specify one or more items in a set: Introduces a choice.
  • Example: "Which color do you prefer, red or blue?"
• Used to clarify or identify: Points to a specific item.
  • Example: "I don’t know which road to take."