whatever

views updated

what·ev·er / (h)wətˈevər; ˌ(h)wät-/ • relative pron. & adj. used to emphasize a lack of restriction in referring to any thing or amount, no matter what: [as pron.] do whatever you like | [as adj.] take whatever action is needed. ∎  regardless of what: [as pron.] you have our support, whatever you decide | [as adj.] whatever decision he made I would support it. • interrog. pron. used for emphasis instead of “what” in questions, typically expressing surprise or confusion: whatever is the matter?See usage below.• adv. 1. at all; of any kind (used for emphasis): they received no help whatever.2. inf. no matter what happens: we told him we'd back him whatever.• interj. used to express skepticism or exasperation: Joseph's commentary amounted to “Yeah, well. Whatever.”PHRASES: or whatever inf. or anything similar: use chopped herbs, nuts, garlic, or whatever.whatever nextsee next.

More From encyclopedia.com