whatever */*/*/

whatever */*/*/
UK [wɒtˈevə(r)] / US [wɑtˈevər] / US [hwɑtˈevər] adverb, conjunction, determiner, pronoun
Summary:

Whatever can be used in the following ways: - as a relative pronoun (starting a relative clause that is the subject, object, or complement of another clause): You can choose whatever you like. - as a determiner (followed by a noun and introducing a relative clause): We'll be ready at whatever time you get here. - as a question pronoun (starting a question): Whatever do you mean? - as a conjunction (connecting two clauses): We must stay together whatever happens. - as an adverb (after a noun or pronoun in a negative sentence): There is nothing whatever to worry about.
1) anything or everything used for referring to anything or everything that happens or is available, needed, wanted etc

Now you are free to do whatever you want.

We shall be grateful for whatever help you can give us.

Whatever project he works on is always successful.

Whatever happened between Julius and me is none of your business.

whatever else:

Pack some clothes and whatever else you need for the journey.

2) when something does not matter
a) used for saying that what happens or what is true is not important, because it makes no difference to the situation

You know that you have our full support whatever you decide.

Whatever happens in the these elections, things will never be the same again.

Any business, whatever its size, can benefit from a management training programme.

If you are unable to find work, for whatever reason, our advisers will be there to help you.

b) spoken used for saying that you do not mind which thing is chosen

"What can I offer you? Coffee, tea, lemonade?" "Oh, I don't mind. Whatever."

3) spoken used for emphasizing a question used for emphasizing "what" in a question to show that you are surprised, interested, upset, or annoyed

Whatever are you doing indoors on such a lovely day?

What ever happened to that artist friend of yours?

Whatever shall I do without you?

whatever next?:

And now they have birthday cards that play a tune! Whatever next?

4) at all used with a noun for emphasis in a negative statement

I have no intention whatever of leaving.

5) spoken used for showing that you are annoyed about something used for saying in an annoyed way that you will not try to change what someone thinks, says, or does, even though you do not agree with it

"They say we all have to come in for the meeting on Saturday." "Whatever."

6) mainly spoken something you do not know used for referring to something when you do not know what it is

You there, whatever your name is, come and stand here.

He said there were "technical difficulties", whatever that means.

•

whatever you say/whatever you think (is) best — spoken used for telling someone that you are ready to accept their decision, especially when you do not really agree with them but you do not want to argue

"I think we should deal with this matter ourselves." "Oh, all right. Whatever you say."


English dictionary. 2014.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Whatever — may be referring to:* Whatever (slang), an expression of agreement, indifference, or begrudging complianceIn music: * Whatever (album), an album by Aimee Mann * Whatever (Green Velvet album) * Whatever (En Vogue song) * Whatever (Oasis song) *… …   Wikipedia

  • whatever — whatever, what ever 1. Whatever is written as one word when it is an indefinite relative pronoun or adjective used in statements or commands: • Whatever you re up to during the snowy season, a wonderful warm woolly makes the perfect winter wear… …   Modern English usage

  • WHATEVER — es el sencillo n.º 6 de la cantante japonesa Ayumi Hamasaki, lanzado al mercado el 10 de febrero de 1999 bajo el sello avex trax, sólo dos meses más tarde que su primer álbum de estudio. Contenido 1 Información 2 Tracklist 2.1 8cm …   Wikipedia Español

  • Whatever — «Whatever» Sencillo de Oasis Formato 7 , 12 , CD, Cassette Grabación 1994 Género(s) Britpop Duración 6:22 …   Wikipedia Español

  • whatever — [hwut ev′ər, wutev′ər] pron. 1. what? which thing, event, circumstance, etc.?: an emphatic interrogative, expressing perplexity or wonder [whatever can she mean by that?] 2. anything that [tell her whatever you like] 3. no matter what [whatever… …   English World dictionary

  • Whatever — What*ev er, pron. Anything soever which; the thing or things of any kind; being this or that; of one nature or another; one thing or another; anything that may be; all that; the whole that; all particulars that; used both substantively and… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Whatever — «Whatever» Сингл Godsmack Выпущен 1999 Жанр ню метал Лейбл Universal / Republic Records …   Википедия

  • whatever — adverb at all, of any description, of any kind or sort, whatsoever, whichever Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • whatever — c.1300, from WHAT (Cf. what) + EVER (Cf. ever). Variant form WHATSOEVER (Cf. whatsoever) is attested earlier …   Etymology dictionary

  • whatever — ► PRONOUN & DETERMINER ▪ used to emphasize a lack of restriction in referring to any thing; no matter what. ► PRONOUN ▪ used for emphasis instead of ‘what’ in questions. ► ADVERB 1) at all; of any kind. 2) informal no matter what happens …   English terms dictionary

  • whatever — what|ev|er [ wat evər, hwat evər ] function word *** Whatever can be used in the following ways: as a relative pronoun (starting a relative clause that is the subject, object, or complement of another clause): You can choose whatever you like. as …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

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