which
which Lexical Profile
which Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Asking for information specifying one or more people or things from a definite set.
"Which route should we take to reach the train station on time?"
Used as a relative determiner to refer back to a noun or whole clause just mentioned, especially in formal contexts.
"The rain continued for three days, during which time the river overflowed its banks."
• pronoun
Used as a relative pronoun to refer to something previously mentioned when introducing a clause giving further information.
"She lent me her favorite novel, which I finished reading in a single weekend."
Used as an interrogative pronoun to ask for information specifying one or more people or things from a known or limited set.
"Which of these applicants has the most experience in project management?"
Word Nuance & Usage
In American English style guides, 'which' (set off by commas) is typically preferred for non-restrictive relative clauses that add non-essential information, whereas 'that' is preferred for restrictive clauses.
• Rhymes for which
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English hwilc, meaning 'of what sort' or 'which', a compound derived from Proto-Germanic *hwa-likaz (literally 'what-like' or 'having what body/form').