# whatsoever

/ˌhwətsoʊˈɛvɝ/ (US) · /wɒtsˌəʊˈɛvɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/whatsoever
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. at all

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

used after words like 'none', 'nothing', or 'no' to make a negative statement stronger.

For teachers: functions as an intensifier in negative clauses, typically following a noun phrase or pronoun to emphasize 'at all'.

- I have no interest whatsoever in watching that movie.
- The witness claimed to have no knowledge whatsoever of the events that transpired in the warehouse that evening.

Usage: Always follows a negative word like 'no', 'none', 'nothing', or 'any' in a negative context.

Teaching tip: While 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.

### 2. whatever

determiner · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary · Archaic

an older or very formal way to say 'whatever'.

For teachers: used as a relative determiner or pronoun in formal or literary contexts; largely superseded by 'whatever' in modern usage.

- He had the right to use the land for whatsoever purpose he chose.
- The charter granted the guild authority over whatsoever trade might be established within the city walls.

Usage: Used before a noun to mean 'any at all'.

Teaching tip: This sense is rare in modern speech and is mostly found in legal documents or older literature.

## Examples

- I have no interest in that whatsoever.
- The witness claimed to have no knowledge whatsoever of the events that took place on the night of the crime.
- Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the defendant showed no remorse whatsoever during the sentencing hearing, maintaining a cold and detached expression throughout.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.