what‧ev‧er 1 S1 W1 / wɒtevə $ wɑtevər, wʌt- / determiner , 代词

1 any or all of the things that are wanted, needed, or possible :

Help yourself to whatever you want.

The children were allowed to do whatever they liked.

He’ll be ready to accept whatever help he can get.

I am willing to pay whatever price you ask.

2 used to say that it is not important what happens, what you do etc because it does not change the situation :

Whatever I suggest, he always disagrees.

The building must be saved, whatever the cost.

If you are unable to attend the interview, for whatever reason, you should inform us immediately. SPOKEN PHRASES

3 whatever you do spoken used to tell someone that it is very important that they do a particular thing, or do not do it :

Don’t miss the train, whatever you do.

Whatever you do, slow down and take your time.

4 spoken used to say that you do not know the exact meaning of something, or the exact name of someone or something :

The doctor says she’s got fibrositis, whatever that is.

Why don’t you invite Seb, or whatever he’s called, to supper?

5 … or/and whatever (else) spoken used after mentioning one or two things to mean other things of the same kind :

You could put an advert in some magazine, journal, newspaper, or whatever.

6 spoken used when asking a question to emphasize that you are surprised or slightly angry about something :

Whatever can he mean?

‘Did you know she’s dyed her hair orange?’ ‘ Whatever next? ’

7 spoken used as a reply to say that you do not care what is done or chosen, or that the exact details of something do not matter :

‘What flavour do you want? Strawberry, vanilla …?’ ‘Whatever.’

‘It was Monday, not Tuesday.’ ‘Whatever.’

8 whatever you say/think/want spoken used to tell someone that you agree with them or will do what they want, especially when you do not really agree or want to do it :

‘How about camping, just for a change?’ ‘OK, whatever you want.’

‘I think we’d better discuss this with your parents.’ ‘Whatever you think best.’