Whatever vs. Whatnot — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Whatever and Whatnot
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Compare with Definitions
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
Whatnot
A minor or unspecified object or article.
Whatever
Used for emphasis instead of ‘what’ in questions, typically expressing surprise or confusion
Whatever is the matter?
Whatnot
A set of light, open shelves for ornaments.
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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Whatnot
(countable) A small unspecified object; bric-a-brac (in plural)
Whatever
At all; of any kind (used for emphasis)
They received no help whatever
Whatnot
(uncountable) Other related objects or ideas.
At the lexicography club, we welcome all discussion of words and whatnot.
All of the cakes and whatnot have been laid out, ready for the children's birthday party this afternoon.
Whatever
No matter what happens
We told him we'd back him whatever
Whatnot
A freestanding set of shelves on which ornaments are displayed; an etagere.
Whatever
Said as a response indicating a reluctance to discuss something, often implying indifference
‘I'll call you later.’ I shrugged. ‘Whatever.’
Whatnot
A kind of stand, or piece of furniture, having shelves for books, ornaments, etc.; an étagère.
Whatever
Of any number or kind; any
Whatever requests you make will be granted.
Whatnot
Miscellaneous curios
Whatever
All of; the whole of
She applied whatever strength she had left to the task.
Whatever
Of any kind at all
No campers whatever may use the lake before noon.
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.
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
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