whatever
whatever — adjective
- whateverpositive
- more whatevercomparative
- most whateversuperlative
1. used before a noun to mean 'any one' or 'every one' from a group, and it does no
used before a noun to mean 'any one' or 'every one' from a group, and it does not matter which one is picked; for example, you can take whatever book you like from the shelf, or order whatever food you want from the menu.
Take whatever book you find most interesting from my shelf.
whatever + noun + clause for open choice
Naoko chose whatever courses fit her schedule best this semester.
You may invite whatever friends you like to the party on Saturday.
The library will accept whatever books people wish to donate.
whatever + noun + passive clause
Elena grabbed whatever snacks were left in the kitchen before the film started.
- whatever book
- whatever food
- whatever courses
- whatever friends
- whatever time
- whatever reason
Grammar Patterns
whatever + noun + clause
Usage Note
Only sense that directly modifies a noun phrase to mean 'any — it does not matter which.' The structure is always 'whatever + noun + clause.' Different from the pronoun sense, which stands alone without a following noun (e.g., 'Take whatever you like').
Common Mistakes
2. used before a noun to say that a result stays the same regardless of which thing
used before a noun to say that a result stays the same regardless of which thing is chosen or what situation arises; for example, whatever decision you reach, I will back you, or whatever the weather, the event will go ahead.
Whatever choice you make, your family will stand by you.
whatever + noun + clause expressing unconditional result
The Watanabe family keeps their garden beautiful whatever weather comes.
Whatever job Mira applies for, she gives it her full effort.
Dr. Okafor treats every patient with respect whatever their background may be.
whatever + noun + may/might clause
Whatever route the hikers choose, they should reach the camp before dark.
- whatever choice
- whatever weather
- whatever job
- whatever background
- whatever route
- whatever decision
- no matter which
a phrase rather than a single word; used in the same position as 'whatever' before a noun, e.g., 'no matter which route you take'
- irrespective of
more formal; typically used with 'of', e.g., 'irrespective of the route you take'
Grammar Patterns
whatever + noun + clause
Usage Note
Often interchangeable with sense 1 in everyday speech, but the emphasis differs: sense 2 foregrounds the unconditional outcome ('the result stays the same'), whereas sense 1 foregrounds open choice ('any one you like'). Frequently used with 'may' or 'might' for a more formal or polite tone.
3. used immediately after a noun in negative statements to add strong emphasis that
used immediately after a noun in negative statements to add strong emphasis that nothing of that kind exists or applies; for example, 'I have no reason whatever to doubt him' or 'there was no evidence whatever to support the accusation.'
There is no doubt whatever that the plan will succeed.
no + noun + whatever for emphasis after a negative
Dr. Okafor found no evidence whatever of any wrongdoing in the report.
The young athlete showed no interest whatever in the endorsement offer.
There was no food whatever left in the fridge after the party.
Mr. Chen had no reason whatever to suspect his assistant of lying.
- no doubt whatever
- no reason whatever
- no evidence whatever
- no interest whatever
- no food whatever
- no intention whatever
- whatsoever
fully interchangeable; 'whatsoever' is slightly more common in modern usage
- at all
a phrase that follows the noun or verb to add emphasis; less formal, e.g., 'no food at all'
- some
the positive counterpart, e.g., 'some reason' vs. 'no reason whatever'
Grammar Patterns
no + noun + whatever
Usage Note
Always placed after the noun it modifies (postpositive position), whereas senses 1 and 2 place 'whatever' before the noun. Used only in negative or emphatically restrictive contexts, typically with 'no.' Fully synonymous with 'whatsoever,' which is more common in modern informal English. Distinguish from the adverb use (sense 2 of the adverb entry) which appears at the end of a clause.
Common Mistakes
whatever — adverb
1. used after a noun phrase in a negative sentence to add extra emphasis, meaning '
used after a noun phrase in a negative sentence to add extra emphasis, meaning 'at all' or 'of any kind' — for example, saying someone has no reason whatever to complain means they have absolutely no reason.
Owen had no reason whatever to be angry with his sister.
postpositive structure: no + noun + whatever
There was no evidence whatever that the plan would work.
Linh could see no point whatever in continuing the argument.
collocation: no point whatever
The manager showed no interest whatever in the staff complaints.
I have no doubt whatever that Élise will pass the exam.
no + noun + whatever + that-clause
- no + noun + whatever
- nothing whatever
- none whatever
- whatsoever
exact synonym, slightly more common in formal written English
- at all
placed after the noun or at the end of the clause; less emphatic
- in the least
more formal and less common; tends to sound old-fashioned
Grammar Patterns
no + noun + whatever
nothing + whatever
none + whatever
Usage Note
This sense always appears right after the noun it modifies — you cannot put 'whatever' before the noun in this meaning. It is interchangeable with 'whatsoever', which is slightly more formal.
Common Mistakes
2. used as a quick one-word reply in informal conversation; it signals the speaker'
used as a quick one-word reply in informal conversation; it signals the speaker's lack of interest in what is being said or a refusal to keep the discussion going — for example, when a parent scolds a child and the child just says 'Whatever' and walks away.
Mrs. Chen told Kian to clean his room, but he said 'Whatever' and walked away.
standalone dismissive retort in reported speech
Jisoo asked Mizuki to wash the dishes, but Mizuki said 'Whatever' and left the room.
'Finish this by Friday.' 'Whatever,' replied Vivek without looking up from his phone.
dialogue: single-word retort
When the teacher asked João about his homework, he just shrugged and said 'Whatever'.
- fine
can be dismissive but also used neutrally to agree; tone-dependent
- so what
more aggressive and confrontational than 'whatever'
- as if I care
more explicit and rude; less common in casual speech
Grammar Patterns
used as a one-word reply
Usage Note
This use is very informal and is often seen as rude or disrespectful, especially when talking to a teacher, parent, or boss. It signals that the speaker has no interest in continuing the conversation.
Common Mistakes
whatever — determiner / pronoun
1. any or every member of a group, without specifying which one. Used before a noun
any or every member of a group, without specifying which one. Used before a noun meaning 'any … at all', or alone as a pronoun meaning 'anything or everything' — for example, taking whatever seat is free, or eating whatever food is offered.
Eri can borrow whatever books she wants from my shelf at home.
determiner: whatever + noun
Tanvi ate whatever food was on the table after the long bus ride.
The children were told to pick whatever prize caught their eye first.
Saira took whatever she needed from the supply cupboard at school.
pronoun: whatever + clause
You may bring whatever snacks you like to the party this Saturday.
determiner: whatever + noun + clause
- whatever + noun
- whatever + subject + verb
- whatever you need
- whatever you like
- whatever you want
- any
similar meaning when used before a noun ('any book'), but 'any' does not work as a standalone pronoun in the same way
- everything
more emphatic and comprehensive; 'whatever' focuses on unlimited choice within a set, while 'everything' covers all items universally
Grammar Patterns
whatever + noun (determiner)
whatever + clause (pronoun)
Usage Note
As a determiner, 'whatever' appears directly before a noun (whatever food). As a pronoun, it introduces a clause (whatever she needs). Distinguish from sense 2 (NO MATTER WHAT): sense 1 emphasises the range of possible choices, whereas sense 2 emphasises that the result stays the same regardless of the condition.
Common Mistakes
2. introduces a situation or condition and says that the result stays the same no m
introduces a situation or condition and says that the result stays the same no matter what that situation is — for example, saying you will attend a wedding whatever the weather, or keep studying whatever your exam score is.
Whatever Michael decides about the job offer, his family will stand by him.
clause-initial: whatever + clause + comma + main clause
Paloma stays calm whatever problems come up at the office every day.
Selim keeps training outdoors whatever the weather is like in winter.
whatever + noun phrase + verb
Whatever happens next, we must not give up our hope for peace.
Hugo promised to finish the painting whatever difficulties he ran into.
whatever + object + subject + verb
- whatever happens
- whatever the cost
- whatever the outcome
- whatever it takes
- whatever the reason
- no matter what
identical in meaning but a longer, more conversational phrase; 'whatever' is more concise
- regardless of what
more formal; requires 'of' and a noun phrase or gerund
Grammar Patterns
whatever + noun phrase + verb + main clause
whatever + clause + comma + main clause
Usage Note
The 'whatever' clause can come at the start or end of the sentence. When it begins the sentence, a comma separates it from the main clause. The verb in the 'whatever' clause is often in the present tense even when referring to the future — for example, 'Whatever he decides, I will support him' (not 'will decide').
Common Mistakes
3. used in place of 'what' in a question to add strong surprise, confusion, or disb
used in place of 'what' in a question to add strong surprise, confusion, or disbelief — for example, asking 'Whatever gave you that idea?' when you are shocked that someone believes something.
Whatever gave you the idea that Eric was moving to Japan this year?
whatever + verb + subject (past tense)
Whatever do you mean by that strange comment about the meeting?
whatever + auxiliary + subject + verb
Whatever made the cat climb all the way up that enormous oak tree?
Whatever happened to the chocolate cake that was on the counter?
Whatever has got into Yasmin today? She is usually so friendly and calm.
whatever + auxiliary + verb + subject
- whatever did
- whatever do you
- whatever happened
- whatever gave you
- whatever made
- what on earth
more emphatic; 'What on earth are you doing?' conveys even stronger surprise
- what in the world
similar level of surprise; slightly more informal and American in tone
Grammar Patterns
whatever + verb + subject (emphatic question)
Usage Note
This sense is only used in questions. The word order follows standard question structure: 'Whatever + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb?' or 'Whatever + main verb (past) + subject?'. Unlike sense 1 and sense 2, 'whatever' here cannot be split from the verb. It is considered slightly old-fashioned or British in style; many American speakers use 'What ever' (two words) or simple 'What' with a surprised tone instead.
Common Mistakes
4. a short, standalone reply that shows you have no concern about what someone has
a short, standalone reply that shows you have no concern about what someone has said and that you want to end the conversation — often considered rude or dismissive.
A: You cannot go out dressed like that. B: Whatever, you are not my boss.
dismissive dialogue pair
When Élise complained about the noise, Eric just shrugged and said 'Whatever.'
I told my brother to clean his room, but he just said 'Whatever' and left.
A: You will regret this choice. B: Whatever, I do not care anymore.
whatever + declarative follow-up
Sivan rolled her eyes at her friend and muttered 'Whatever' under her breath.
tone: muttered, rolled eyes — dismissive body language
- just whatever
- said whatever
- muttered whatever
- shrugged whatever
- whatever, I don't care
- yeah, right
similar dismissive tone but used as a sarcastic agreement, not a direct dismissal
- I don't care
explicitly states the same attitude; less abrupt than a single 'Whatever'
Grammar Patterns
standalone 'Whatever.' (as complete utterance)
Usage Note
This sense is very informal and can be offensive if used with teachers, parents, or authority figures. The dismissive tone comes from both the word itself and the speaker's intonation. Teenagers and young adults use it most frequently. Distinguish from sense 5 (ANYTHING FINE): sense 4 dismisses the other person's comment, while sense 5 accepts any option neutrally.
Common Mistakes
5. says that any option, choice, or action is fine with you — you do not have a str
says that any option, choice, or action is fine with you — you do not have a strong preference and are happy with whatever the other person decides.
We can watch a movie or go out to eat — whatever you feel like doing.
whatever + clause as alternative ender
A: Red shirt or blue shirt? B: Either color is fine, whatever.
standalone 'whatever' at end of sentence
Anong told the waiter to bring whatever the chef thought was best today.
whatever + clause as object of 'bring'
Pick whatever seat you want — they all have a clear view of the stage.
imperative + whatever + clause
You can email me tonight or call me tomorrow; whatever works best for you.
- whatever you want
- whatever you prefer
- whatever you like
- whatever works
- whatever is best
- neither
rejects both options; the opposite of accepting any choice
Grammar Patterns
whatever + clause (as object or complement)
standalone 'whatever' (as subject complement)
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 4 (DISMISSAL): sense 5 is neutral and cooperative — the speaker accepts any choice without negative attitude. Sense 4 rejects the conversation itself. Listeners tell them apart by tone of voice: sense 5 sounds relaxed, while sense 4 sounds annoyed. In writing, context is the only clue.
Common Mistakes
6. used at the end of a short list of examples to suggest that other things of the
used at the end of a short list of examples to suggest that other things of the same general type are also included — like saying 'shirts, shoes, whatever' to mean 'shirts, shoes, and other similar items'.
At the market she buys fruit — apples, bananas, oranges, whatever looks fresh.
list + whatever + clause
The repair shop fixes bikes, clocks, toys, whatever people bring in.
Yasmin packed socks, shirts, a towel, and whatever else she could find.
whatever else + clause
Students can borrow books, DVDs, magazines, or whatever the library carries.
or whatever + clause
Maya spends weekends fishing, hiking, camping, whatever takes her interest.
- or whatever
- whatever else
- whatever + noun + clause
- whatever you can think of
- etcetera
more formal; used in writing, not as flexible in sentence position
- and the like
more formal; can replace 'or whatever' in written lists
Grammar Patterns
noun, noun, (or) whatever
things like X, Y, whatever
Usage Note
Often includes 'or' before it ('or whatever'). The listed items must all belong to the same semantic category. This sense is very common in spoken English and informal writing. In formal writing, use 'and other similar items' or 'among others' instead.
Common Mistakes
7. used before a negative command to emphasise that someone must not do something a
used before a negative command to emphasise that someone must not do something at all, no matter what happens or how tempting it may be
Whatever you do, Hoa, do not leave the front door unlocked when you go out.
pattern: whatever you do + negative imperative (don't/do not)
Roya's doctor told her that whatever she did, she must not skip the medication.
pattern: whatever + subject + did + must not
Whatever you do, Rafael, never swim alone at that beach after dark.
The guide warned us that whatever we did, we should not touch the old paintings.
- whatever you do
- whatever she did
- whatever happens
- under no circumstances
stronger and more formal; used in written warnings
- on no account
very formal; common in official notices and formal instructions
Grammar Patterns
whatever + subject + do/did + negative imperative/statement
Usage Note
Always used in a two-part structure: the whatever-clause introduces an emphatic condition, followed by a main clause with a negative command — typically don't, never, must not, or should not. A positive suggestion after 'whatever you do' signals a different, non-warning sense of 'whatever.'
Common Mistakes
8. said when you accept someone's suggestion not because you want to, but because y
said when you accept someone's suggestion not because you want to, but because you are tired of arguing or do not care enough to keep discussing it
Takeshi suggested sushi, and Élise just said 'whatever, fine' to keep the peace.
dismissive spoken response: 'whatever, fine' to avoid argument
When Gabriel offered to choose the film, Lakan shrugged and said 'whatever.'
Rafael wanted to leave early, so Meera replied 'whatever, sure' and ended the discussion.
Nala did not care about the restaurant, so she said 'whatever' and agreed to go.
reluctant agreement signaled by 'whatever' + agreement verb phrase
- say 'whatever'
- 'whatever, fine'
- 'whatever, sure'
- just 'whatever'
- fine
less dismissive; can express genuine acceptance
- sure
range from neutral to reluctant depending on tone
- as you like
slightly more formal; can still carry reluctant tone
- absolutely
expresses strong, genuine agreement — the opposite of reluctant acceptance
Grammar Patterns
say 'whatever' as a dismissive response
'whatever, [okay/fine/sure]'
Usage Note
Spoken response only; the speaker agrees to end a disagreement, not because they genuinely share the other person's preference. Often accompanied by a shrug, sigh, or dismissive tone. Can be perceived as rude or impatient depending on context and intonation.
Common Mistakes
whatever — pronoun
1. Used to say that a particular result, action, or statement is true or will happe
Used to say that a particular result, action, or statement is true or will happen, and that no possible change in circumstances or choices can affect it.
Whatever happens, we will get through this together.
whatever happens + main clause
Jabari told his mother, 'Whatever you decide, I will support you.'
Whatever the weather brings, Sumin plans to finish the race.
whatever the [noun phrase]
Do whatever you think is right for your family.
The company will accept whatever the committee recommends.
- whatever happens
- whatever you do
- whatever the cost
- whatever the reason
- no matter what
more conversational; used before a clause
- regardless of what
slightly more formal; followed by a noun or gerund
Grammar Patterns
whatever + clause
whatever + noun phrase + clause
Usage Note
Frequently followed by a clause beginning with a question word such as 'happens', 'you decide', or 'the + noun + verb'. The main clause states an outcome that is not affected by the situation in the 'whatever' clause. In such clauses, use the present tense for future meaning, not 'will'.
Common Mistakes
2. Any single thing or all things of the type that someone has in mind, needs, or i
Any single thing or all things of the type that someone has in mind, needs, or is referring to, without limiting the range of possibilities.
You can order whatever you like from the menu tonight.
whatever + you like/want
Zola bought whatever caught her eye at the weekend market.
The children ate whatever their grandmother cooked for dinner.
James offered whatever help his colleagues needed for the project.
whatever + noun + clause
The rescue team brought whatever supplies were available.
- whatever you want
- whatever you like
- whatever you need
- whatever is necessary
- anything
less emphatic; does not imply an unlimited range
- everything
suggests all items collectively, not any individual item
- all (that)
more formal; used when the set is complete
- nothing
the opposite in scope; zero items instead of any/all
Grammar Patterns
whatever + clause
whatever + noun + clause
Usage Note
Functions as a relative pronoun introducing a noun clause that acts as the subject or object of the main verb. Often used with modal verbs such as 'can', 'may', or 'will' to express freedom of choice. Unlike 'anything', 'whatever' carries a sense of unlimited range.
Common Mistakes
3. Replaces the ordinary question word 'what' in direct questions, adding strong su
Replaces the ordinary question word 'what' in direct questions, adding strong surprise, shock, disbelief, or confusion about something the speaker finds hard to explain.
Whatever gave you the idea that Tariq was moving away?
whatever gave [person] the idea ...?
Whatever do you mean by that strange comment, Caleb?
Whatever made Imran change his mind at the last minute?
whatever made [person] ...?
Whatever happened to that old cafe we used to visit?
- whatever gave you the idea
- whatever do you mean
- whatever made you
- whatever happened
- what (emphatic)
the same meaning but without the extra force of 'whatever'
Grammar Patterns
whatever + verb + subject
whatever + gave/made/happened
Usage Note
Only used in questions. More common in British English than American English. Often expresses the speaker's reaction to surprising or confusing information. Not suitable for formal written contexts.
Common Mistakes
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: determiner, pronoun/2
These four expressions overlap in the concessive meaning ('regardless of which') but differ in range and formality. 'Whatever' is the most versatile — it works as a determiner (whatever book), a pronoun (whatever you want), and in concessive clauses (whatever happens). It suits all registers from casual to formal. 'No matter what' is a conversational phrase that carries the same concessive force but is longer and more emphatic; it often stands alone ('No matter what, I will go'). It rarely serves as a determiner before a noun ('no matter what book' is possible but sounds more awkward than 'whatever book'). 'Whichever' restricts the choice to a limited set. If you are picking from a finite menu of options, 'whichever' is precise ('Whichever colour you pick, I will like it'). 'Whatever' suggests all possibilities. 'Whatsoever' is an intensifier used only after a noun in a negative context ('no reason whatsoever') — it cannot begin a concessive clause or act as a determiner. Example: 'Whatever route you take (no matter which route), you will enjoy the view.' But if there are only three routes: 'Whichever route you take.' And emphatically: 'I have no doubt whatever (whatsoever) that this is the right decision.'
Common collocations
Nouns
- whatever reason
- whatever cost
- whatever outcome
- whatever means
- whatever choice
Adverbs
- or whatever
- whatever happens
- whatever you do
- whatever it takes
- whatever the case
Phrases
- whatever it takes
- whatever the case may be
- whatever the cost
- whatever you say
- whatever works
- whatever the outcome
- whatever happens next
- or whatever else
Prepositions
- in whatever way
- for whatever reason
- by whatever means
- with whatever tools
Etymology
A compound of 'what' (from Old English 'hwæt', of Germanic origin, ultimately from Indo-European root '*kʷo-') and 'ever' (from Old English 'æfre', of unknown origin). The two words first appeared together in Old English as separate words ('hwæt æfre') forming an emphatic question. By the 13th century they were occasionally written as one word, and by the 14th century the compound had developed its indefinite relative meaning ('anything that'). The concessive use ('no matter what') followed in the 15th century. The standalone dismissive use ('Whatever!') emerged in North American slang in the late 20th century, first recorded in the 1980s and then spreading globally.
First known use
14th century
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Adjective