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?
Soit...soit
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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!
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