# or

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/or
Updated: 2026-07-09

## Senses

### 1. connecting choices

conjunction · CEFR A1

you use this to connect two or more possibilities or choices.

For teachers: links two or more alternatives in a list or choice, where typically only one option is selected.

- Would you like to go to the cinema or the park this afternoon?
- The client must decide whether to accept the current settlement offer or proceed with a lengthy and expensive trial.

### 2. otherwise

conjunction · CEFR A2

used to show what will happen if you do not do something.

For teachers: introduces a negative consequence or an alternative result that follows if the preceding statement is not true or fulfilled.

- You should hurry up, or you will miss the last bus home.
- The government must implement these fiscal reforms immediately, or the country risks a total collapse of its credit rating.

### 3. introducing a synonym

conjunction · CEFR B1

used to introduce another word that means the same thing.

For teachers: connects two equivalent names or terms for the same thing to provide clarification or a more technical label.

- The study of the stars, or astronomy, has existed for thousands of years.
- The patient was diagnosed with hypertension, or high blood pressure, following a series of routine cardiovascular tests.

### 5. gold color

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Literary

the color gold or yellow when used on a shield or coat of arms.

For teachers: the tincture of gold or yellow in heraldry, representing one of the two metals used in armorial bearings.

- The knight's shield featured a red lion on a field of or.
- The family crest was meticulously painted, featuring a chevron in or against a deep azure background.

### 6. gold-colored

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical · Literary

colored gold or yellow on a coat of arms.

For teachers: describes a heraldic element that is gold or yellow in color.

- The banner was decorated with three or stars.
- The ancient manuscript described a shield with a cross or, signifying the noble lineage of the fallen king.

## Examples

- Do you want tea or coffee?
- You can pay for your ticket with a credit card or use the mobile app at the gate.
- The committee must decide whether to approve the proposal in its current form or request a complete revision before the next fiscal quarter begins.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.