Definition of the word neither

The word "neither" has a fascinating history. It originated in Old English as "næther" or "næder," which was used to indicate a negative answer to a question or to express a sense of refusal or denial. Over time, the spelling evolved to "neither" and its meaning expanded to include more nuanced connotations. In Middle English (circa 1100-1500), "neither" was used to indicate exclusion, opposition, or equality. For example, "I go to the park, neither do my friends" means "I go to the park and my friends don't." In Modern English, "neither" is still used to express negation, but it can also convey a sense of indifference, indifference, or even polite refusal. For instance, "Would you like to go to the movies? Neither, I'm tired" implies that the speaker doesn't have the energy to go. Throughout its evolution, "neither" has remained a versatile word, offering a range of shades meaning and nuance to express various shades of negation and refusal.