whatever

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A thing or person whose actual name is unknown or forgotten.

   As far as I'm concerned Alec is dead. Whatever they've got in there, that...whatever.

2. 2
   det

   What ever; emphatic form of 'what'.

   Good heavens! Whatever time is it?!

3. 3
   det

   Regardless of the ... that; for any ... that.

   Whatever your choice, there will be consequences.

4. 4
   det

   Any ... that; of no matter what type or kind that.

   Whatever doubts I had were quickly dispelled.

5. 5
   det

   Any; of no matter what type or kind.

   He must be stopped, whatever the cost.

6. 6
   pron

   What ever; emphasised form of 'what', used to ask which thing, event, circumstance, etc.

   Whatever do you mean?

7. 7
   pron

   Regardless of anything that.

   Whatever he does, he will still lose the game.

8. 8
   pron

   Anything that; all that.

   Do whatever works.

Etymology

From Middle English whatever. By surface analysis, what + ever.