However vs. Whatever — What's the Difference?
Difference Between However and Whatever
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Compare with Definitions
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
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
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
Whatever
Used for emphasis instead of ‘what’ in questions, typically expressing surprise or confusion
Whatever is the matter?
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
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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
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
Whatever
At all; of any kind (used for emphasis)
They received no help whatever
However
In whatever manner or way that
Dress however you like.
Whatever
No matter what happens
We told him we'd back him whatever
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
Whatever
Said as a response indicating a reluctance to discuss something, often implying indifference
‘I'll call you later.’ I shrugged. ‘Whatever.’
However
(conjunctive) Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.
He told me not to do it. However, I did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / I, however, did it anyway.
She wanted to go; however, she decided against it.
I didn't argue with him; I still think, however, that he is wrong.
Whatever
Of any number or kind; any
Whatever requests you make will be granted.
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
Whatever
All of; the whole of
She applied whatever strength she had left to the task.
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
Whatever
Of any kind at all
No campers whatever may use the lake before noon.
However
In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way.
I don't care; just do it however.
Nothing was really planned; things just happened however.
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.
However
(interrogative) How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner.
I thought it was impossible. However were you able to do it?
Whatever
(interrogative) What ever; emphatic form of 'what'.
Good heavens! Whatever time is it?!
However
(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.
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.
However
Regardless of the way in which.
Let me know when you've had your interview, however it goes.
However we do this, it isn't going to work.
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.
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
Whatever
Any; of no matter what type or kind.
I must obtain it at whatever cost.
However
(proscribed) But, yet, though, although.
Whatever
(interrogative) What ever; emphasised form of 'what', used to ask which thing, event, circumstance, etc.
Whatever do you mean?
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
Whatever
Regardless of anything that.
Whatever he does, he will still lose the game.
Whatever happens, stay calm.
However
At all events; at least; in any case.
Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from the greatest evils.
Whatever
(fused relative) Anything that; all that.
Do whatever works.
I’ll do whatever I can.
However
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it.
In your excuse your love does little say;You might howe'er have took a better way.
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.
However
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
Whatever
At all; in any way; whatsoever.
There is no point whatever in going on with this discussion.
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
Whatever
(interrogative) In what way; to what extent.
Whatever does it matter now?
However
To whatever degree or extent;
The results, however general, are important
They have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns
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!
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
Whatever
(colloquial) Unexceptional or unimportant; blah.
However
In what way or manner or by what means (`however' is sometimes used as an intensive form of `how');
How did you catch the snake?
He told us how he did it
However did you get here so soon?
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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