whatsoever
adv. · det.-
1 at all (adv.) C1 Advanced Formalused after words like 'none', 'nothing', or 'no' to make a negative statement stronger.
functions as an intensifier in negative clauses, typically following a noun phrase or pronoun to emphasize 'at all'.
ExampleI have no interest whatsoever in watching that movie.
ExampleThe witness claimed to have no knowledge whatsoever of the events that transpired in the warehouse that evening.
UsageAlways follows a negative word like 'no', 'none', 'nothing', or 'any' in a negative context.
Teacher's tipWhile dictionaries often list this as an adverb or determiner, it is best taught to students as a 'negative intensifier' that always sits at the end of a phrase.
- at all
- whatever
PitfallI have whatsoever no money.I have no money whatsoever.This word must come after the noun or the negative word it is emphasizing, never before it.
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2 whatever (det.) C2 Proficiency Formal Literary Archaican older or very formal way to say 'whatever'.
used as a relative determiner or pronoun in formal or literary contexts; largely superseded by 'whatever' in modern usage.
ExampleHe had the right to use the land for whatsoever purpose he chose.
ExampleThe charter granted the guild authority over whatsoever trade might be established within the city walls.
UsageUsed before a noun to mean 'any at all'.
Teacher's tipThis sense is rare in modern speech and is mostly found in legal documents or older literature.
From Middle English whatsoever. By surface analysis, what + so + ever.
- Adverbwhatsoever
- Pronounwhatever