Or Word Meaning

Middle English: a reduced form of the obsolete conjunction other (which superseded Old English oththe ‘or’), of uncertain ultimate origin

used to link alternatives

linking alternatives

• a cup of tea or coffee
• are you coming or not?
• I either take taxis or walk everywhere
• it doesn't matter whether the theory is right or wrong

introducing a synonym or explanation of a preceding word or phrase

introducing synonym or explanation

• yoga is a series of postures, or asanas

otherwise (used to introduce the consequences of something not being done or not being the case)

otherwise

• hurry up, or you'll miss it all

introducing an afterthought, usually in the form of a question

introducing afterthought

• John's indifference—or was it?—left her unsettled

either

either

• to love is the one way to know or God or man

a logical operation which gives the value one if at least one operand has the value one, and otherwise gives a value of zero.

logical operation which gives value one if at least one operand has value one