What does or mean?
“Or” is a coordinating conjunction used to present alternatives, possibilities, or choices. It can connect two nouns, as in “tea or coffee,” two predicates, as in “stay or leave,” or two clauses, as in “we can begin now or wait until everyone arrives.” When it joins independent clauses, it is normally preceded by a comma. The conjunction may also mark qualification or approximation: “The package should arrive tomorrow or soon afterward,” while expressions such as “or so” and “or thereabouts” indicate a rough estimate rather than an exact alternative. In conversation, “or” can introduce a suggested option, as in “We could order dinner, or we could cook.” Although sometimes used in negative coordination, as in “I did not call or write,” standard modern usage generally prefers “or” over “nor” in such contexts. Its simplicity conceals a broad range of functions, making it essential for expressing choice, possibility, qualification, and contrast in both speech and writing.
conjunctionUsed to introduce an alternative possibility, choice, or outcome. It can join two words, phrases, or clauses and may also introduce an approximate or qualified statement.
- Introduces an alternative to a previously mentioned option or possibility.
- Introduces a qualified or approximate statement, especially in expressions such as “or so.”
- Introduces a restatement, correction, or refinement when used with words such as “rather.”
"We could walk to the station, or we could take the bus."
"Would you like tea or coffee?"
"The journey will take three hours or so, depending on traffic."
One little conjunction can turn a statement into a choice, a possibility, or even an approximation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of or
The word entered Middle English from Old French “or,” which was borrowed from Latin “aut,” meaning “or.” The Latin term belongs to a family of Indo-European forms expressing the alternative relation, related to Greek “au.” Modern English retained the basic function of its ancestor while developing specialized uses for approximation and qualification.
How or is actually used
In formal writing, “or” is normally used to connect alternatives without a preceding comma unless it joins two independent clauses. It is commonly used in inclusive constructions such as “either ... or,” and informal phrases such as “or something” and “or whatever.”
Easily confused with or
“Or” is a conjunction introducing an alternative, whereas “ore” is a noun meaning a mineral-bearing rock.