Whatsoever vs. Whatever: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 19, 2023
"Whatsoever" emphasizes a lack of restriction in a negative context, while "whatever" is more general, used in questions or to signify indifference.
Key Differences
"Whatsoever" is a term that often appears at the end of negative statements to emphasize the totality or completeness of the negation. In contrast, "whatever" can be used more flexibly, either as a relative pronoun, an adjective, or even as an interjection to express indifference or nonchalance. Both "whatsoever" and "whatever" can function to generalize, but "whatsoever" is typically more emphatic and formal.
The usage of "Whatsoever" is more formal and somewhat antiquated in modern English, primarily appearing in legal, literary, or religious texts. "Whatever," however, is casual and widely used in everyday conversation, both in questions and statements, and can express a range of meanings depending on context. While both can refer to anything or all things, "whatsoever" is often more emphatic, underscoring an absolute state.
Grammatically, "Whatsoever" is an adverb used to emphasize the word it follows, and its use is almost always in the negative context, intensifying the sense of "no" or "none." "Whatever" functions as a pronoun, adjective, or adverb, and its meaning can shift from "anything" to "whichever," or even signal disinterest, depending on how it's used. Both "whatsoever" and "whatever" contribute to the nuance of statements but in distinctly different ways.
In spoken language, "Whatsoever" might come across as dramatic or old-fashioned, while "whatever" is a common slang term, especially among younger generations, to express indifference or dismissiveness. Both words, "whatsoever" and "whatever," communicate a sense of generality, but the former is weightier and less common in casual conversation.
In written texts, "Whatsoever" often appears in formal or literary contexts to underline a point emphatically. In contrast, "whatever" is versatile, appearing in various contexts from casual to formal writings, without the weighty connotation. Both "whatsoever" and "whatever" have their places in written English, but "whatsoever" is less common and more specific in its usage.
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Comparison Chart
Usage Context
More formal, often in negative statements
Casual to formal, various contexts
Part of Speech
Adverb
Pronoun, Adjective, or Adverb
Connotation
Emphasis, totality
General, indifference, or inclusivity
Frequency
Less common, antiquated
Very common, contemporary
Flexibility
Very specific usage
Wide range of uses
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Whatsoever and Whatever Definitions
Whatsoever
Used to emphasize a negative.
He had no respect whatsoever for their traditions.
Whatever
Used to show no interest or concern.
I'm breaking up with you. Whatever.
Whatsoever
Whatever may be the case.
There are no exceptions whatsoever.
Whatever
Used to emphasize a lack of restrictions.
You're free to choose whatever you like.
Whatsoever
Whatever possible, of any kind at all.
There is no evidence whatsoever to support the claim.
Whatever
No matter what happens.
Whatever happens, know that I love you.
Whatsoever
Any... at all.
They received no help whatsoever.
Whatever
Any or all, regardless of quantity or quality.
You can have whatever is left in the fridge.
Whatsoever
Used for emphasis in negative statements.
I have no doubt whatsoever.
Whatever
Anything or everything, no matter what.
Do whatever you want.
Whatsoever
Whatever
No power whatsoever.
Whatever
Of any number or kind; any
Whatever requests you make will be granted.
Whatsoever
Whatever.
The building may be used for whatsoever purpose the tenant desires.
Whatever
All of; the whole of
She applied whatever strength she had left to the task.
Whatsoever
In any way; at all; whatever.
He gave me no answer whatsoever.
Whatever
Of any kind at all
No campers whatever may use the lake before noon.
Whatsoever
Whatever.
Whatsoever you seek, you will find.
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.
Whatsoever
Whatever.
Whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.
Whatever
(interrogative) What ever; emphatic form of 'what'.
Good heavens! Whatever time is it?!
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
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
FAQs
Does "whatever" have a negative connotation?
It can, especially when used to show indifference or lack of interest.
Is "whatsoever" one word or two words?
It's one word, used for emphasis, usually in negative contexts.
Can "whatever" be used as an interjection?
Yes, "whatever" can express indifference or dismissiveness.
Is "whatsoever" formal or informal?
"Whatsoever" is considered more formal and somewhat antiquated.
Can "whatsoever" be used in a positive statement?
It's uncommon; "whatsoever" typically appears in negative contexts for emphasis.
What part of speech is "whatever"?
"Whatever" can be a pronoun, adjective, or adverb.
Can "whatever" start a question?
Yes, like "Whatever did he say to you?"
Does "whatever" imply freedom of choice?
Often, yes. "Do whatever you like" implies unrestricted choice.
Does "whatsoever" always follow "no" or "none"?
Typically, it follows negative words to emphasize their totality.
Is "whatsoever" common in modern language?
It's less common, often seen as formal or literary.
Can "whatsoever" replace "whatever" in a sentence?
Not usually, as "whatsoever" is more emphatic and less flexible.
Can "whatsoever" be used to intensify positive statements?
Rarely, it's predominantly used for negative emphasis.
Is "whatever" casual or formal?
It's generally casual but can appear in various contexts.
Is "whatsoever" archaic?
It's less common in casual conversation, more formal or literary.
Can "whatever" be dismissive?
Yes, especially when used as an interjection.
Is "whatsoever" synonymous with "at all"?
In many cases, yes, especially in negative statements.
Can "whatever" be used to refer to an unknown thing?
Yes, like in "Whatever was that noise?"
Is "whatever" ambiguous?
It can be, depending on context and intonation.
Does "whatever" have a slang usage?
Yes, especially among youths to indicate indifference.
Does "whatsoever" appear in legal language?
Yes, often to emphasize a point in legal contexts.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
