whatever

whatever
[[t](h)wɒte̱və(r)[/t]]
♦♦
1) CONJ-SUBORD You use whatever to refer to anything or everything of a particular type.

Franklin was free to do pretty much whatever he pleased...

When you're older I think you're better equipped mentally to cope with whatever happens...

He's good at whatever he does.

Syn:
DET
Whatever is also a determiner.

Whatever doubts he might have had about Ingrid were all over now.

2) CONJ-SUBORD You use whatever to say that something is the case in all circumstances.

We shall love you whatever happens, Diana...

People will judge you whatever you do...

She runs on average about 15 miles a day every day, whatever the circumstances, whatever the weather.

Syn:
no matter what
3) ADV: with brd-neg, n ADV (emphasis) You use whatever after a noun group in order to emphasize a negative statement.

There is no evidence whatever that competition in broadcasting has ever reduced costs...

I have nothing whatever to say.

Syn:
4) QUEST (emphasis) You use whatever to ask in an emphatic way about something which you are very surprised about.

Whatever can you mean?...

Whatever is the matter with you both?

Syn:
5) CONJ-SUBORD (vagueness) You use whatever when you are indicating that you do not know the precise identity, meaning, or value of the thing just mentioned.

I thought that my upbringing was `normal', whatever that is...

`I love you,' he said. - `Whatever that means,' she said.

6) PHRASE: cl/group PHR You say or whatever to refer generally to something else of the same kind as the thing or things that you have just mentioned. [INFORMAL]

You may like a Malt whisky that is peatier, or smokier, or sweeter, or whatever.

7) CONVENTION (feelings) You say `whatever you say' to indicate that you accept what someone has said, even though you do not really believe them or do not think it is a good idea.

`We'll go in your car, Billy.' - `Whatever you say.'

8) PHRASE: PHR cl (emphasis) You say whatever you do when giving advice or warning someone about something.

Whatever you do, don't look for a pay increase when you know the company is going through some difficulty...

Whatever you do, don't upset the women.


English dictionary. 2008.

Игры ⚽ Нужно сделать НИР?
Synonyms:
, , , / ,


Look at other dictionaries:

  • Whatever — may be referring to:* Whatever (slang), an expression of agreement, indifference, or begrudging complianceIn music: * Whatever (album), an album by Aimee Mann * Whatever (Green Velvet album) * Whatever (En Vogue song) * Whatever (Oasis song) *… …   Wikipedia

  • whatever — whatever, what ever 1. Whatever is written as one word when it is an indefinite relative pronoun or adjective used in statements or commands: • Whatever you re up to during the snowy season, a wonderful warm woolly makes the perfect winter wear… …   Modern English usage

  • WHATEVER — es el sencillo n.º 6 de la cantante japonesa Ayumi Hamasaki, lanzado al mercado el 10 de febrero de 1999 bajo el sello avex trax, sólo dos meses más tarde que su primer álbum de estudio. Contenido 1 Información 2 Tracklist 2.1 8cm …   Wikipedia Español

  • Whatever — «Whatever» Sencillo de Oasis Formato 7 , 12 , CD, Cassette Grabación 1994 Género(s) Britpop Duración 6:22 …   Wikipedia Español

  • whatever — [hwut ev′ər, wutev′ər] pron. 1. what? which thing, event, circumstance, etc.?: an emphatic interrogative, expressing perplexity or wonder [whatever can she mean by that?] 2. anything that [tell her whatever you like] 3. no matter what [whatever… …   English World dictionary

  • Whatever — What*ev er, pron. Anything soever which; the thing or things of any kind; being this or that; of one nature or another; one thing or another; anything that may be; all that; the whole that; all particulars that; used both substantively and… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Whatever — «Whatever» Сингл Godsmack Выпущен 1999 Жанр ню метал Лейбл Universal / Republic Records …   Википедия

  • whatever — adverb at all, of any description, of any kind or sort, whatsoever, whichever Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • whatever — c.1300, from WHAT (Cf. what) + EVER (Cf. ever). Variant form WHATSOEVER (Cf. whatsoever) is attested earlier …   Etymology dictionary

  • whatever — ► PRONOUN & DETERMINER ▪ used to emphasize a lack of restriction in referring to any thing; no matter what. ► PRONOUN ▪ used for emphasis instead of ‘what’ in questions. ► ADVERB 1) at all; of any kind. 2) informal no matter what happens …   English terms dictionary

  • whatever — what|ev|er [ wat evər, hwat evər ] function word *** 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 …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

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