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?

---

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?

---

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.

---

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

“It sends a signal to Russia that whatever happens, Estonia is going to be ready, Estonia is going to fight, Estonia is not alone,” said Viktor Kalnitski, deputy commander of the Estonian defense forces.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

She says: "I've given up me to be here for Lewis, so I will do whatever I need to keep him alive."

From BBC • May 27, 2026

And trying to break out of that, whatever that is, and move on to the next thing that you want to do.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

"The US stands ready and prepared to help do whatever we can to help facilitate the end of this war, and hopefully the opportunity will present itself at some point," Rubio said.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

I knew the look well: It was the one he laid on you when there was only one acceptable answer to whatever his question was.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• whatsoever