Soit...soit

Question

In using 'soit/soit as either/or is this 'soit' as in the subjunctive of etre, ie in English one might say, 'be it x or be it y' or a different word altogether?

Cécile Janty-Davies · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Chris, 
Yes, you're absolutely correct! The conjunction "soit...soit" (meaning "either...or") does indeed come from the subjunctive form of the verb "être" (to be).
The word "soit" is the third-person singular present subjunctive of "être," literally meaning "let it be" or "may it be." Over time, this subjunctive form grammaticalized into a conjunction used to present alternatives or choices.
That's a very good question; I had to look it up!