Whatsoever vs. Whatever — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 24, 2023
"Whatsoever" is a more emphatic term often used for emphasis, while "Whatever" is more common and can be used as a pronoun, determiner, or adverb. Both express indifference or lack of restriction, but in different tones.
Difference Between Whatsoever and Whatever
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Key Differences
Whatsoever and Whatever are versatile words in the English language that are often used to convey a sense of indifference, unrestricted choice, or emphasis. At a glance, Whatever is generally more widely used and is seen in both formal and informal contexts. On the other hand, Whatsoever often appears in contexts where there's a need for added emphasis or a stronger tone.
In many sentences, Whatever can be used as a direct substitute for Whatsoever. For example, "I have no doubt whatever" and "I have no doubt whatsoever" both convey similar meanings. However, the latter sentence with Whatsoever possesses a slightly more emphatic tone, suggesting a stronger assertion.
Both Whatsoever and Whatever can express a lack of concern or interest. If someone says, "Do whatever you like," it demonstrates a lack of preference or restriction. Similarly, "I don't care whatsoever" emphasizes a total lack of concern. While both words can be used interchangeably in some contexts, Whatsoever tends to be more emphatic.
It's worth noting that Whatever is more flexible grammatically. It can be a pronoun ("Whatever is that?"), a determiner ("Whatever reason he had is unknown"), or even an adverb ("He ran whatever the risk"). Whatsoever, on the other hand, typically plays a more restrictive role, commonly acting as an adverb to add emphasis.
In everyday conversations, especially among younger speakers, "Whatever" might be used as a standalone response indicating indifference or dismissiveness. "Whatsoever" is less likely to be used in this manner. Instead, Whatsoever often appears in more formal or emphatic statements.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Emphatic, often for added emphasis.
Common, versatile usage in various contexts.
Tone
More formal or stronger emphasis.
Neutral; can be informal depending on context.
Grammatical Roles
Typically acts as an adverb.
Can be a pronoun, determiner, or adverb.
Meaning
Emphasizes "in any way" or "at all".
Expresses indifference, unrestricted choice, or any.
Conversational Use
Less likely to be used as a standalone response in conversation.
Commonly used alone to express indifference or dismissiveness.
Compare with Definitions
Whatsoever
In any way or degree at all.
He had no remorse whatsoever.
Whatever
Any or anything that.
Whatever you decide is fine.
Whatsoever
Used for emphasis after a negative statement.
I saw no one whatsoever.
Whatever
All that; all of what.
Whatever is left over is yours.
Whatsoever
In any possible way, manner, or case.
No improvement whatsoever.
Whatever
Used to indicate indifference or resignation.
I don't want to go, but whatever.
Whatsoever
Absolutely; at all (used for emphasis).
There's nothing whatsoever to worry about.
Whatever
Used for emphasis to show surprise or disbelief.
Whatever are you saying?
Whatsoever
Whatever
No power whatsoever.
Whatever
Used to emphasize a lack of restriction in referring to any thing or amount, no matter what
Do whatever you like
Take whatever action is needed
Whatsoever
Whatever.
The building may be used for whatsoever purpose the tenant desires.
Whatever
Used for emphasis instead of ‘what’ in questions, typically expressing surprise or confusion
Whatever is the matter?
Whatsoever
In any way; at all; whatever.
He gave me no answer whatsoever.
Whatever
Used to emphasize a lack of restriction in referring to any thing or amount, no matter what
Take whatever action is needed
Do whatever you like
Whatsoever
Whatever.
Whatsoever you seek, you will find.
Whatever
At all; of any kind (used for emphasis)
They received no help whatever
Whatsoever
Whatever.
Whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.
Whatever
No matter what happens
We told him we'd back him whatever
Whatsoever
One or some or every or all without specification;
Give me any peaches you don't want
Not any milk is left
Any child would know that
Pick any card
Any day now
Cars can be rented at almost any airport
At twilight or any other time
Beyond any doubt
Need any help we can get
Give me whatever peaches you don't want
No milk whatsoever is left
Whatever
Said as a response indicating a reluctance to discuss something, often implying indifference
‘I'll call you later.’ I shrugged. ‘Whatever.’
Whatever
Of any number or kind; any
Whatever requests you make will be granted.
Whatever
All of; the whole of
She applied whatever strength she had left to the task.
Whatever
Of any kind at all
No campers whatever may use the lake before noon.
Whatever
Used to indicate indifference to or scorn for something, such as a remark or suggestion
We're having pizza tonight.—Whatever. I don't care.
Whatever
(interrogative) What ever; emphatic form of 'what'.
Good heavens! Whatever time is it?!
Whatever
Regardless of the ... that; for any ... that.
Whatever choice you make, there will be consequences.
I will stick with you, whatever fate befalls us.
Whatever
Any ... that; of no matter what type or kind that.
Whatever doubts I had were quickly dispelled.
Write down whatever thoughts come into your mind.
Whatever
Any; of no matter what type or kind.
I must obtain it at whatever cost.
Whatever
(interrogative) What ever; emphasised form of 'what', used to ask which thing, event, circumstance, etc.
Whatever do you mean?
Whatever
Regardless of anything that.
Whatever he does, he will still lose the game.
Whatever happens, stay calm.
Whatever
(fused relative) Anything that; all that.
Do whatever works.
I’ll do whatever I can.
Whatever
(informal) Anything; thing(s) of unspecified kind, or no matter what kind; sometimes used to indicate that the speaker does not care about options.
I don't need any of this stuff, so take whatever.
Whatever
At all; in any way; whatsoever.
There is no point whatever in going on with this discussion.
Whatever
(interrogative) In what way; to what extent.
Whatever does it matter now?
Whatever
(colloquial) A holophrastic expression used to dismiss something that the speaker doesn't care about, doesn't think important, or doesn't want to consider or discuss any further.
So you don't like Mrs Jones. Whatever. What's that got to do with my question?
I wonder which I'm supposed to take ... whatever, I'll just pick any one.
Go brush your teeth. – Whatever!
Whatever
(colloquial) Unexceptional or unimportant; blah.
Whatever
(colloquial) Something whose exact kind or nature is unimportant; a thingy.
Whatever
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 adjectively.
Whatever fortune stays from his word.
Whatever Earth, all-bearing mother, yields.
Whatever be its intrinsic value.
Whatever
One or some or every or all without specification;
Give me any peaches you don't want
Not any milk is left
Any child would know that
Pick any card
Any day now
Cars can be rented at almost any airport
At twilight or any other time
Beyond any doubt
Need any help we can get
Give me whatever peaches you don't want
No milk whatsoever is left
Whatever
No matter what.
Whatever the cost, we'll go.
Common Curiosities
Is "Whatsoever" more formal than "Whatever"?
Generally, yes. Whatsoever is often used for added emphasis in more formal contexts.
Are both words adverbs?
While Whatsoever typically acts as an adverb, Whatever can be a pronoun, determiner, or adverb.
Can "Whatever" start a question?
Yes, e.g., "Whatever did you mean by that?"
Are there contexts where they aren't interchangeable?
Yes, especially when Whatever serves as a pronoun or determiner.
Can "Whatever" be used to show indifference?
Yes, saying "Whatever" by itself can express indifference or dismissiveness.
How do I decide which word to use?
If you want a more emphatic tone, choose Whatsoever. For general use, Whatever often suffices.
Can "Whatsoever" and "Whatever" be used interchangeably?
Often they can, but Whatsoever is more emphatic.
Is "Whatsoever" old-fashioned?
It's not necessarily old-fashioned but is less common in casual conversation.
Which is more versatile?
Whatever is more versatile and can serve multiple grammatical roles.
Can "Whatever" be dismissive?
Yes, especially when used alone in response to someone.
Can "Whatsoever" end a sentence?
Yes, e.g., "I had no idea whatsoever."
Are these words used differently in British vs. American English?
Usage is largely consistent, though there might be slight variations in frequency or context.
Is "Whatsoever" redundant?
Not always, but it can be used for emphasis where "Whatever" might also fit.
Can they be used in formal writing?
Whatever is suitable for many contexts, while Whatsoever is often reserved for more formal or emphatic statements.
Does "Whatever" have slang meanings?
Yes, especially among younger speakers, it can be slang for indifference.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
