Whatsoever

/ˌwɒtsəˈevər/

adverbmedium📊CommonEmphasis
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To any extent or degree; at all.

/ˌwɒtsəˈevər/

adverbnegativemedium
Emphasis

Used to emphasize a negative statement or to indicate something is not important.

He showed no remorse whatsoever.

💡 Simply: It's like saying 'not at all' or 'not even a little bit.' Like, 'I'm not scared whatsoever!' It makes the negative statement stronger.

👶 For kids: It means 'not at all' or 'none'. Like, 'I want no ice cream whatsoever!'.

More Examples

2

There's no chance whatsoever of us going back.

3

She felt no pain whatsoever.

How It's Used

General Conversation

"I have no interest whatsoever in going to the party."

Formal Writing

"The regulations leave no room for ambiguity whatsoever."

2

Used to indicate a lack of restriction; used to indicate that it does not matter what; of any kind.

/ˌwɒtsəˈevər/

pronounneutralAdvanced
Emphasis

Used to emphasize an indefinite pronoun.

Take whatever you need whatsoever.

💡 Simply: It's like adding extra emphasis to a pronoun, whatever, whoever, etc. It's like saying 'It doesn't matter *at all* what/who'.

👶 For kids: It means 'it doesn't matter what kind'.

More Examples

2

He cares for nothing whatsoever.

3

I will consider any option whatsoever.

How It's Used

Informal Speech

"Do whatever you want whatsoever."

Literary Context

"The choice is yours, whatever you may choose whatsoever."

Tip:Think of it as being added emphasis after other pronouns or words like 'whatever.'

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

No… whatsoever

A strong denial or negation of something.

"Did you enjoy the concert?' 'No, whatsoever.'"

From 'what' and 'so' + 'ever,' signifying 'whatever' or 'at all.' It evolved to emphasize a negation or lack of limitation.

Used in older English texts to add emphasis to negations or assertions.

Memory tip

Think of it as emphasizing that something is absolutely not the case.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Base: what
no… whatsoeverinterest whatsoeverchance whatsoeverdoubt whatsoever

Common misspellings

what so everwhat ever sowhatsoeverever

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written