usage of "As to whether"

[Sophie]

In this sentence: " Often there's a race betw­een the healing and the disease as to whether the tree will live or die."
What does "as to whether" mean?
Thank you in advance.
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On earth there is nothing great but man, in man there is nothing great but mind.

[Sophie]

Can any one help me?
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On earth there is nothing great but man, in man there is nothing great but mind.

[Yankee]

Hi Sophie

In your sentence, the phrase 'as to' means 'with regard to' or 'with respect to'.

So, in your sentence, 'a race as to whether' basically means that there is a race with respect to two alternatives: Will the tree live, or will the tree die?
.
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Sophie]

Well, I just complicate the matter. Thank you very much.
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On earth there is nothing great but man, in man there is nothing great but mind.