Any vs. Whatever — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Any and Whatever
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Compare with Definitions
Any
One or some; no matter which
Take any book you want. Do you have any information on ancient Roman architecture?.
Whatever
Used to emphasize a lack of restriction in referring to any thing or amount, no matter what
Do whatever you like
Take whatever action is needed
Any
No matter how many or how few; some
Are there any oranges left?.
Whatever
Used for emphasis instead of ‘what’ in questions, typically expressing surprise or confusion
Whatever is the matter?
Any
No matter how much or how little
Is there any milk left?.
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Whatever
Used to emphasize a lack of restriction in referring to any thing or amount, no matter what
Take whatever action is needed
Do whatever you like
Any
Every
Any dog likes meat.
Whatever
At all; of any kind (used for emphasis)
They received no help whatever
Any
Exceeding normal limits, as in size or duration
The patient cannot endure chemotherapy for any length of time.
Whatever
No matter what happens
We told him we'd back him whatever
Any
To any degree or extent; at all
The patient didn't feel any better after the treatment.
Whatever
Said as a response indicating a reluctance to discuss something, often implying indifference
‘I'll call you later.’ I shrugged. ‘Whatever.’
Any
To even the slightest extent, at all.
I will not remain here any longer.
If you get any taller, you'll start having to duck through doorways!
That doesn't bother me any. (chiefly US usage)
Whatever
Of any number or kind; any
Whatever requests you make will be granted.
Any
(negative polarity item) One at all; at least one; at least one kind of; some; a positive quantity of.
Do you have any biscuits?
Do you have any food?
I haven't got any money.
It won't do you any good.
Whatever
All of; the whole of
She applied whatever strength she had left to the task.
Any
No matter what kind.
Choose any items you want.
Any person may apply.
Press any key to continue.
Whatever
Of any kind at all
No campers whatever may use the lake before noon.
Any
Any thing(s) or person(s).
Any may apply.
Whatever
Used to indicate indifference to or scorn for something, such as a remark or suggestion
We're having pizza tonight.—Whatever. I don't care.
Any
One indifferently, out of an indefinite number; one indefinitely, whosoever or whatsoever it may be.
No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son.
Whatever
(interrogative) What ever; emphatic form of 'what'.
Good heavens! Whatever time is it?!
Any
Some, of whatever kind, quantity, or number; as, are there any witnesses present? are there any other houses like it?
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, . . . and it shall be given him.
That if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Whatever
Regardless of the ... that; for any ... that.
Whatever choice you make, there will be consequences.
I will stick with you, whatever fate befalls us.
Any
To any extent; in any degree; at all.
You are not to go loose any longer.
Before you go any farther.
Whatever
Any ... that; of no matter what type or kind that.
Whatever doubts I had were quickly dispelled.
Write down whatever thoughts come into your mind.
Any
(in negative statements) either every little or very great but unspecified;
Can't stand any noise
Could not endure chemotherapy for any length of time
Whatever
Any; of no matter what type or kind.
I must obtain it at whatever cost.
Any
One or some or every or all without specification;
Give me any peaches you don't want
Not any milk is left
Any child would know that
Pick any card
Any day now
Cars can be rented at almost any airport
At twilight or any other time
Beyond any doubt
Need any help we can get
Give me whatever peaches you don't want
No milk whatsoever is left
Whatever
(interrogative) What ever; emphasised form of 'what', used to ask which thing, event, circumstance, etc.
Whatever do you mean?
Any
To any degree or extent;
It isn't any better
Whatever
Regardless of anything that.
Whatever he does, he will still lose the game.
Whatever happens, stay calm.
Whatever
(fused relative) Anything that; all that.
Do whatever works.
I’ll do whatever I can.
Whatever
(informal) Anything; thing(s) of unspecified kind, or no matter what kind; sometimes used to indicate that the speaker does not care about options.
I don't need any of this stuff, so take whatever.
Whatever
At all; in any way; whatsoever.
There is no point whatever in going on with this discussion.
Whatever
(interrogative) In what way; to what extent.
Whatever does it matter now?
Whatever
(colloquial) A holophrastic expression used to dismiss something that the speaker doesn't care about, doesn't think important, or doesn't want to consider or discuss any further.
So you don't like Mrs Jones. Whatever. What's that got to do with my question?
I wonder which I'm supposed to take ... whatever, I'll just pick any one.
Go brush your teeth. – Whatever!
Whatever
(colloquial) Unexceptional or unimportant; blah.
Whatever
(colloquial) Something whose exact kind or nature is unimportant; a thingy.
Whatever
Anything soever which; the thing or things of any kind; being this or that; of one nature or another; one thing or another; anything that may be; all that; the whole that; all particulars that; - used both substantively and adjectively.
Whatever fortune stays from his word.
Whatever Earth, all-bearing mother, yields.
Whatever be its intrinsic value.
Whatever
One or some or every or all without specification;
Give me any peaches you don't want
Not any milk is left
Any child would know that
Pick any card
Any day now
Cars can be rented at almost any airport
At twilight or any other time
Beyond any doubt
Need any help we can get
Give me whatever peaches you don't want
No milk whatsoever is left
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