Anyway vs. Whatever — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Anyway and Whatever
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Definitions
Anyway➦
In any way or manner whatever
Get the job done anyway you can.
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
Anyway➦
In any case; at least
I don't know if it was lost or stolen.
Anyway, it's gone.
Whatever➦
Used for emphasis instead of ‘what’ in questions, typically expressing surprise or confusion
Whatever is the matter?
Anyway➦
Nevertheless; regardless
It was raining but they played the game anyway.
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
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Anyway➦
(conjunctive) Regardless; anyhow.
He didn't enjoy washing his car, but it was so dirty that he did it anyway.
Whatever➦
At all; of any kind (used for emphasis)
They received no help whatever
Anyway➦
Used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement. See anyhow and at least.
I don't think that's true. I haven't found any evidence, anyway.
Whatever➦
No matter what happens
We told him we'd back him whatever
Anyway➦
Used to indicate a change of subject.
Whatever➦
Said as a response indicating a reluctance to discuss something, often implying indifference
‘I'll call you later.’ I shrugged. ‘Whatever.’
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Anyway➦
Used at the end of a question for emphasis, or to direct the conversation to something of more broad importance (compare with more to the point).
Whatever➦
Of any number or kind; any
Whatever requests you make will be granted.
Anyway➦
(obsolete) In any way.
Whatever➦
All of; the whole of
She applied whatever strength she had left to the task.
Anyway➦
Anywise; at all.
Whatever➦
Of any kind at all
No campers whatever may use the lake before noon.
Anyway➦
Used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement;
Anyhow, he is dead now
I think they're asleep; anyhow, they're quiet
I don't know what happened to it; anyway, it's gone
Anyway, there is another factor to consider
I don't know how it started; in any case, there was a brief scuffle
In any event, the government faced a serious protest
But at any rate he got a knighthood for it
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.
Anyway➦
In any way whatsoever;
They came anyhow they could
Get it done anyway you can
Whatever➦
(interrogative) What ever; emphatic form of 'what'.
Good heavens! Whatever time is it?!
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.
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.
Whatever➦
Any; of no matter what type or kind.
I must obtain it at whatever cost.
Whatever➦
(interrogative) What ever; emphasised form of 'what', used to ask which thing, event, circumstance, etc.
Whatever do you mean?
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
