What does whatsoever mean?
“Whatsoever” is a formal and emphatic form of “whatever.” It can stand alone as a pronoun, as in “Do whatsoever you think is right,” or function as an adverb to emphasize that something applies without exception, as in “I would not make any change whatsoever.” In this second use it often follows a noun: “There is no reason whatsoever for the delay.” It may also appear in fixed negative expressions such as “none whatsoever,” where it reinforces the meaning of “none.” The word is found in both British and American English, but it sounds more literary and archaic than ordinary “whatever,” especially in conversation. Its historical construction combines “what,” “so,” and “ever,” conveying the idea of something happening no matter what. Although modern speakers usually prefer “whatever,” “whatsoever” remains useful in formal writing when a stronger, more emphatic tone is intended.
Whatever thing or things; no matter what.
"The committee may decide whatsoever it considers appropriate."
Used independently, especially in formal or archaic constructions.
No matter what; in any way; to any extent.
"The evidence does not support the claim whatsoever."
This is the most common modern use and often follows a noun in a negative statement.
Whether; regardless of whether.
"Whatsoever the outcome, the team will continue."
This use is archaic and much less common than the pronoun and adverb uses.
Whatever the message, “whatsoever” adds the rhetorical equivalent of “and I mean exactly that.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does whatsoever come from?
“Whatsoever” developed in Middle English as a combination of “what,” “so,” and “ever,” literally suggesting what, or anything, in every possible circumstance. The “so ever” element became the “so-” in the modern form, while the sense gradually became equivalent to “whatever.” The word is related to “whatever,” and more broadly to compounds ending in “ever,” such as “whenever,” “wherever,” and “however.”
How whatsoever is actually used
The word is formal, literary, and somewhat old-fashioned. It is especially common in legal, governmental, and formal written English, where it strengthens expressions such as “none whatsoever” and “no doubt whatsoever.” Its emphatic quality can sound emphatic, emphatic, or even adversarial in informal conversation.
Easily confused with whatsoever
“Whatever” is the usual neutral form, while “whatsoever” is a more emphatic, formal, or archaic alternative.