What does 'whatsoever' mean?
Definition
Meaning: Whatsoever (adverb/pronoun) is used for emphasis to mean "at all" or "of any kind," often in negative or interrogative sentences to indicate that there is absolutely nothing of the sort mentioned.
La signification: Whatsoever est utilisé pour insister sur "du tout" ou "de quelque sorte que ce soit", souvent dans des phrases négatives ou interrogatives pour indiquer qu'il n'y a absolument rien de ce type mentionné.
Example: "I have no interest whatsoever in watching that movie."
Grammar: Adverb or pronoun, used for emphasis, typically after "no," "any," or "none." Commonly follows a noun or pronoun it modifies (e.g., "no reason whatsoever").
Quote: "I was dyslexic, I had no understanding of schoolwork whatsoever." [Richard Branson]
N.B.: "Whatsoever" is more formal than "at all" and is often used in written or legal contexts. In French, it is typically translated as "du tout" or "aucun(e)... que ce soit." It can also appear in older texts or religious contexts, such as "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers" (Matthew 25:40).
Word Analysis
Français »» Du tout »» De quelque sorte que ce soit Ⓐ Je n’ai aucun intérêt du tout pour ce sujet. Ⓑ Il n’y a aucune preuve que ce soit contre lui. English »» Whatsoever »» At all Ⓐ There is no evidence whatsoever to support that claim. Ⓑ She had no time whatsoever to finish the project.
Dialogue
Sam: "Do you have any plans for the weekend?" Jordan: "None whatsoever! I’m just going to relax at home." Sam: "Really? No interest in going out at all?" Jordan: "Nope, no desire whatsoever to leave my couch!"
Poem Extract
Th’ Dog Dreamers, by
José Montoya
Suddenly,
A mean-mouthed pack of dogs
Came out of stage left
Moving across America
In rapacious slow motion
Running funny, they said.
And how they appeared and disappeared
Didn’t help, either.
One was a stone, stoic.
The shadow-cloud dog-spectre
Clearly appeared to float,
Propelled forward
Ever so slowly—
Undulating but ever so slightly,
As blithely
As the rhythm of a sigh.
Th’ more nearer dog
Was transparent,
Just hovered
And cast no shadow whatsoever.
You could see the mountains
And the horizon right through him.
The full poem
Etymology
Origin: Whatsoever derives from Middle English "what-so-ever," a combination of "what" (Old English "hwæt") and "soever" (an intensifier from Old English "swā hwæt swā," meaning "whatever"). It evolved to emphasize inclusivity or generality.
Modern Usage: Today, "whatsoever" is used as an adverb or pronoun to mean "whatever" or "at all," often for emphasis. Example: "I have no doubts whatsoever." It can also appear in legal or formal contexts.
Grammar Note: Whatsoever is typically an adverb or pronoun, often used after a negative for emphasis. Example: "There is no reason whatsoever to delay."
Audience
Whatsoever is used in formal writing, legal documents, and conversational English for emphasis. It is suitable for learners of intermediate to advanced levels, especially in academic, professional, or literary contexts.
When to use: Use whatsoever to emphasize a lack of restriction or to reinforce a statement, often after negatives. Example: "She had no experience whatsoever in coding."
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and visual look at our word of the day, watch the following…How to pronounce 'whatsoever'
Definition of 'whatsoever'
WordReference
For more on our word of the day and its usage, visit WordReference for definitions, translations, and examples in context.
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English⇄French – Explore translations and linguistic nuances.
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Synonyms⇄Antonyms – Contextual variations, etc.
Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "whatsoever"
No reason whatsoever
Absolutely no reason at all.
Example: "He left without giving any reason whatsoever."
No doubt whatsoever
Complete and total certainty; no uncertainty at all.
Example: "There is no doubt whatsoever that she's the best candidate."
No connection whatsoever
Absolutely no link or relation of any kind.
Example: "This incident has no connection whatsoever to the earlier case."
No interest whatsoever
A total lack of curiosity or concern.
Example: "She showed no interest whatsoever in the discussion."
No chance whatsoever
A complete impossibility; not even the slightest chance.
Example: "He had no chance whatsoever of winning."
No evidence whatsoever
A total absence of proof or support.
Example: "There was no evidence whatsoever to support the claim."
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