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whatever

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adverb, conjunction, determiner, pronoun American English pronunciation: whatever /wɑtˈevər/ American English pronunciation: whatever /hwɑtˈevər/
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.
 
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    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 will 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 trip.

  2. 2
    when something does not matter
    1. 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 program.

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

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of whatever
    2. 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 care. Whatever."

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

    What ever happened to that artist friend of yours?

    Whatever are you doing indoors on such a beautiful day?

    Whatever will I do without you?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of whatever
  4. 4
    used with a noun for emphasis in a negative statement

    I have no intention whatever of leaving.

  5. 5
    spoken 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. 6
    mainly spoken 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.

phrases

This is the American English definition of whatever. View British English definition of whatever.

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