Word
whichever
Phoneticswhich·ever
US/hwɪˈtʃɛvɝ/
UK/wɪtʃˈɛvɐ/
Definitions
01no matter which
B1 · Intermediate
det. used to say that it does not matter which one of a group you choose.
det. used as a relative determiner to indicate that any one of a set of options is acceptable or will result in the same outcome.
“You can choose whichever seat you like; they are all empty.”
“Whichever route we decide to take, we must ensure that we arrive at the border before the crossing closes for the night.”
02any one that
B1 · Intermediate
pron. the one or ones that you choose from a group.
pron. functions as a relative pronoun representing any person or thing from a limited set.
“There are two cakes left, so you can have whichever you prefer.”
“The prize will be awarded to whichever of the finalists receives the most votes from the independent panel of judges.”
Synonyms
03emphatic question
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
pron. an emphatic way of asking 'which' when you are surprised or confused.
pron. an emphatic interrogative pronoun used to express surprise, confusion, or disbelief.
“Whichever did you choose? They all look so similar.”
“Whichever could he have meant by that cryptic remark? It seems to contradict everything he said previously.”
Synonyms
04any one at all
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
pron. any one of the options, without needing to specify which.
pron. used in an absolute sense to refer to any item from a set without a following relative clause.
“I don't mind which movie we see—just pick whichever.”
“The manager told the staff they could take their lunch breaks at noon or one o'clock, or really just whichever suited their schedule.”
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English qwichever, whiche ever, whiche evere, which ever, which evere; equivalent to which + ever.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/whichever