- whenever */*/
- UK [wenˈevə(r)] / US [wenˈevər] / US [hwenˈevər]
adverb, conjunction
Summary:
Whenever can be used in the following ways: - as a conjunction (connecting two clauses or phrases): Whenever I smiled, he smiled back. - as an adverb: You can come whenever. (introducing a question): Whenever have I been cruel to you?1)a) every time that something happensWhenever I hear that song, I think of you.
He felt the pain in his knee whenever he kicked a ball.
b) at any time or in any situation when something may be wanted, needed, possible etcor whenever (= or any other time that is possible):You can come and stay with us whenever you want.
whenever possible/necessary:I must arrange another visit before going off to the wedding, or after I get back, or whenever.
Use fresh vegetables whenever possible.
2) spoken used for saying that you do not care when something happens, because all times are equally convenient"When shall we meet? Thursday night? Friday?" "Whenever. I don't mind."
3) spoken used for emphasizing "when" in a question to show that you are surprised, upset, or annoyedWhenever will I make you understand that smoking is bad for you?
4) used for showing that you do not know when something happened or will happenWe'll have to wait until the next committee meeting, whenever that is.
English dictionary. 2014.