Utrumneutrum

Utrumneutrum is a Latin term found in classical grammar to denote the question or inquiry about two alternatives. It is typically understood as meaning “which of the two” or “whether one or the other.” In ordinary Latin usage, the easiest way to pose a binary choice is with utrum (often accompanied by an en-clitic form such as -ne), as in constructions that translate roughly to “whether this or that.” The combined form utrumneutrum appears in some older grammars and dictionaries as a single compound label for the binary interrogative itself, though it is not common in everyday contemporary Latin prose.

Etymology and forms: the underlying elements are utrum, meaning “which of the two,” and the enclitic question particle -ne, which marks a yes–no or two-alternative inquiry. The standard, widely taught form is utrumne; utrumneutrum is primarily encountered in historical or philological discussions and reference works.

Usage and scope: utrumneutrum is associated with questions that present two options and invite a choice between them. In Latin syntax, such binary questions may be introduced simply by utrum or by utrum … an, depending on the author and period. The expression is most often discussed in the context of grammar and philology rather than as a productive everyday construction in modern Latin composition.

Relation to related terms: related items include utrum, the basic binary question particle, and an, the conjunction used to present the second alternative. The term ut­rumneutrum is sometimes cited as a textbook or scholarly label for the concept, rather than as a frequently used form in actual Latin texts.

See also: Latin grammar, utrum, an.