What does "which" mean?
And.
Which
/wɪt͡ʃ/ conj, det, pron
conj, det, pron ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: And.
- Grammar: which is listed as conj, det, pron.
- Nearest alternatives: che, das, quid, that.
- Useful contrasts: all, any, none.
- Usage evidence: All that which is invented, is true.
How to use "which"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "which" 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 "which" 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 "which" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "which" 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 "which" is acting as conj, det, 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 "che" 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 "which", 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
Conjunction
- 1 And. nonstandard
"They only offered me five dollars, which I wouldn’t do it for less than fifteen."
Determiner
- 1 What, of those mentioned or implied. interrogative
"Which song shall we play?"
- 2 The/Any ... that; whichever.
"Take which one you want."
- 3 Designates the one(s) previously mentioned. relative
"After glaring upon the smoking philosopher, who took his misfortunes with such positive nonchalance, he growled out an oath in German, which language is particularly adapted for growling in; then, raising his hand, he dealt him a blow on his pipe, which sent it, like a rocket, into the midst of the players."
Pronoun
- 1 What one or ones (of those mentioned or implied). interrogative
"Which is which?"
- 2 The/Any ones that; whichever.
"Please take which you please."
- 3 In a non-restrictive relative clause, referring to something previously mentioned.; Referring to a preceding noun. relative
"I dropped a saucepan, which knocked over the eggs, which went all over the kitchen floor."
- 4 In a non-restrictive relative clause, referring to something previously mentioned.; Referring to a preceding noun.; Used of people (now generally who, whom, that; which remains possible with words also referred to by it such as baby, child). archaic, relative
"She had a young child, which cried incessantly."
- 5 In a non-restrictive relative clause, referring to something previously mentioned.; Referring to a preceding statement. relative
"The front door was open, which concerned me."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 In a restrictive relative clause, referring to a noun previously mentioned. proscribed, relative, sometimes
"This is the letter which I received."
- 7 In a restrictive relative clause, referring to a noun previously mentioned.; Used of people. archaic, proscribed, relative, sometimes
"The men which acompanyed him on his waye stode amased, for they herde a voyce, butt sawe no man."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"All that which is invented, is true."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "which"?
Common synonyms include: che, das, quid, that, the following, this one.
How do you use "which" in a sentence?
All that which is invented, is true.
How do you pronounce "which"?
Pronounced /wɪt͡ʃ/.
Etymology
From Middle English which, hwic, wilche, hwilch, whilk, hwilc, from Old English hwelċ (“which”), from Proto-Germanic *hwilīkaz (“what kind”, literally “like what”), derived from *hwaz. By surface analysis, who + like. Cognates include Scots whilk (“which”), West Frisian hokker (“which”), Dutch welk (“which”), Low German welk (“which”), German welcher (“which”), Danish hvilken (“which”), Swedish vilken (“which”), Norwegian hvilken (“which”), Icelandic hvílíkur (“which”).