whatever

American  

[wuht-ev-er, wot-, hwuht-, hwuht-, hwot-, wuht-] / wʌtˈɛv ər, wɒt-, ʰwət-, ʰwʌt-, ʰwɒt-, wət- /

pronoun

1. anything that (usually used in relative clauses).

   Whatever you say is all right with me.

2. (used relatively to indicate a quantity of a specified or implied antecedent).

   Take whatever you like of these.

3. no matter what.

   Do it, whatever happens.

4. any or any one of a number of things whether specifically known or not.

   papers, magazines, or whatever.

5. what (used interrogatively).

   Whatever do you mean?

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adjective

1. in any amount; to any extent.

   whatever merit the work has.

2. no matter what.

   whatever rebuffs he might receive.

3. being what or who it may be.

   Whatever the reason, he refuses to go.

4. of any kind (used as an intensifier following the noun or pronoun it modifies).

   any person whatever.

interjection

1. (used to indicate indifference to a state of affairs, situation, previous statement, etc.)

whatever British  

/ wət-, wɒtˈɛvə /

pronoun

1. everything or anything that

   do whatever he asks you to

2. no matter what

   whatever he does, he is forgiven

3. informal an unknown or unspecified thing or things

   take a hammer, chisel, or whatever

4. an intensive form of what, used in questions

   whatever can he have said to upset her so much?

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determiner

1. an intensive form of what

   use whatever tools you can get hold of

adjective

1. (postpositive) absolutely; whatsoever

   I saw no point whatever in continuing

interjection

1. informal an expression used to show indifference or dismissal

whatever Idioms  

1. see or whatever.

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Etymology

Origin of whatever

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at what, ever

Explanation

If you can pick whatever you want, it means you have the freedom to choose anything — one thing, some things, or even everything — without worrying about specifics. The word whatever is all about flexibility. It can mean "anything," like when you’re told, "Pick whatever movie you want to watch tonight." It’s also a way to show you don’t mind, like saying, "Wear whatever feels comfortable." Sometimes, it’s even used to brush things off, as in "Whatever, it’s no big deal." This versatile word fits both serious choices and casual moments, making it useful in all kinds of situations.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

whatever

If there was a “gang” put together to solve a problem, he wanted in on the action, whatever it was.

From Slate ● Jul. 14, 2026

Some get on the bandwagon, happy to parrot whatever they’re told will preserve their careers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

Even if people are in the process of committing serious crimes, law enforcement is constitutionally required to do whatever they can to avoid harming them.

From Salon ● Jul. 13, 2026

But whatever the truth, Bellingham has looked happy, has played well and has been a key part of a squad that seems genuinely together.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

I can tell she wants to say something else here, either a reproach or a further suggestion about something I’ve missed, but whatever it is, she bites it back.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• whatsoever