What does "both" mean?
(used with count nouns) two considered together; the two
Both
/bəʊθ/ conj, det, name, pron
conj, det, name, pron ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: (used with count nouns) two considered together; the two
- Grammar: both is listed as conj, det, name, pron.
- Nearest alternatives: a deux, brace, concurrently, couple.
- Useful contrasts: either, independently, individually.
- Usage evidence: When both girls told John they had feelings for him, he was in a quandary as to which girl he should be with.
How to use "both"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "both" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "both" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "both" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "both" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "both" is acting as conj, det, name, pron in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "a deux" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "both", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adjective
- 1 (used with count nouns) two considered together; the two wordnet
Determiner
- 1 Each of the two; one and the other; referring to two individuals or items.
"Both (the/my) children are such dolls."
Pronoun
- 1 Each of the two, or of the two kinds.
"Did you want this one or that one? ―Give me both."
Conjunction
- 1 Including both of (used with and).
"I (can) both sing and dance."
- 2 Including all of (used with and). obsolete
"[…] having much aduantage both in number, valure, and forepreparation […]"
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"When both girls told John they had feelings for him, he was in a quandary as to which girl he should be with."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "both"?
Common synonyms include: a deux, brace, concurrently, couple, couplet, distich.
How do you use "both" in a sentence?
When both girls told John they had feelings for him, he was in a quandary as to which girl he should be with.
How do you pronounce "both"?
Pronounced /bəʊθ/.
Etymology
From Middle English bothe, boþe, from Old English bā þā (“both the; both those”) and possibly reinforced by Old Norse báðir, from Proto-Germanic *bai. Cognate with Saterland Frisian bee (“both”), West Frisian beide (“both”), Dutch beide (“both”), German beide (“both”), Swedish både, båda, Danish både, Norwegian både, Icelandic báðir. Replaced Middle English bō, from Old English bā, a form of Old English bēġen. A remnant of the Indo-European dual grammatical number.