adj., pron., & adv.
--adj. & pron. the two, not only one (both boys; both the boys; both of the boys; the boys are both here).
Usage:
Widely used with of, esp. when followed by a pronoun (e.g. both of us) or a noun implying separate rather than collective consideration, e.g. both of the boys suggests each boy rather than the two together.
--adv. with equal truth in two cases (both the boy and his sister are here; are both here and hungry).
Phrases and idioms:
both ways each way. have it both ways alternate between two incompatible points of view to suit the needs of the moment.
Etymology: ME f. ON b{aacute}thir