/ wɒtˈevə(r); NAmE wət-; wɑːt-/ determiner , pronoun , adverb
■ determiner , pronoun
1.
any or every; anything or everything :
Take whatever action is needed.
Do whatever you like.
2.
used when you are saying that it does not matter what sb does or what happens, because the result will be the same :
Whatever decision he made I would support it.
You have our support, whatever you decide.
3.
( especially BrE ) used in questions to express surprise or confusion :
Whatever do you mean?
Chocolate-flavoured carrots! Whatever next ?
4.
( informal , ironic ) used as a reply to tell sb that you do not care what happens or that you are not interested in what they are talking about :
'You should try a herbal remedy.' 'Yeah, whatever.'
5.
( informal ) used to say that you do not mind what you do, have, etc. and that anything is acceptable :
'What would you like to do today?' 'Whatever.'
•
IDIOMS
- or whatever
- whatever you do
■ adverb
1.
(also what·so·ever ) no, nothing, none, etc. ~ not at all; not of any kind :
They received no help whatever.
'Is there any doubt about it?' 'None whatsoever.'
2.
( informal ) used to say that it does not matter what sb does, or what happens, because the result will be the same :
We told him we'd back him whatever.