which definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

which [ wich, hwich ] CORE MEANING: used to ask for something to be identified from a known larger group or range of possibilities

(adj) Which part of it don't you understand?

(pron) Which would you like?

(pron) Which of the colors do you prefer?

(adj) At which stage do we start to cut our losses?

Definition:

1. def art asks question: asks for something to be identified from a known group or range

Which hat should I wear?

2. adjective one from known set: one of a range of things or possibilities specified or implied by the immediate context

(adj) I can't decide which activity would be the most fun.

(pron) He decided which to buy and paid the money.

3. adjective
Same as whichever

(adj) Use which method best suits you.

(pron) Take which you prefer.

4. pron introduces relative clause: used to introduce a clause that provides additional information about something previously mentioned

The cabin, which we bought last spring, sits high on the dunes.

A success for which she is to be congratulated.

5. pron that: used to introduce a relative clause that provides necessary information about its antecedent

Please return the money which I loaned to you.

6. pron refers back to phrase or sentence: used to refer back to an entire verb phrase or sentence

Swimming after eating, which I've told you not to do, can be very dangerous.

[ Old English hwilc "of what form, like what" < Germanic]

Spelling Note


	which or witch? Do not confuse the spelling of which and witch, which sound similar. The word which is used to ask about or identify one or more of a larger group (as in decide which car to use, Which are your children?) or to introduce additional information: The house, which was built in the 18th century, is now in ruins. A witch is a person, especially a woman, with supposed magical powers.

Word Usage