whatever

• Adjektiv, das verwendet wird, um das Fehlen von Einschränkungen zu betonen oder Gleichgültigkeit auszudrücken; kann auch 'jede Art von' oder 'unabhängig davon, was' bedeuten.

An adjective used to emphasize a lack of restriction or to indicate indifference; can also mean 'any kind of' or 'no matter what'.

1. Any or allB1formal

   Referring to any or every thing of a particular type; no matter which.

   beliebig

   • You can choose whatever book you like from the shelf.
   • Whatever decision you make, I will support you.
   • He eats whatever food is available.

   Synonymeany

• Unbestimmtes Pronomen für „alles, was“ oder „was auch immer“; steht auch in emphatischen Fragen oder drückt geringschätzige Gleichgültigkeit aus.

An indefinite pronoun used to refer to anything or everything that; also used in emphatic questions or as a dismissive expression indicating indifference or lack of restriction.

1. Free relative pronoun meaning 'anything that' or 'everything that'B1formal

   Used to refer to any thing or all things that satisfy a condition, functioning as the subject or object of a clause without a specific antecedent; introduces a noun clause.

   Freies Relativpronomen mit der Bedeutung „alles, was“ oder „was auch immer“

   • Take whatever you like from the table.
   • Whatever she says, don't believe it.
   • I'll do whatever it takes to succeed.
   • Whatever happens, we'll face it together.
   • You can invite whatever friends you want to the party.

2. Emphatic pronoun in questions expressing surprise or confusionB2informal

   Used in informal questions to add emphasis, surprise, or disbelief; often appears in phrases like 'Whatever do you mean?' or 'Whatever happened to...?'.

   Emphatisches Pronomen in Fragen, das Überraschung oder Verwirrung ausdrückt

   • Whatever made you think that?
   • Whatever do you want me to do?
   • Whatever happened to the old cinema downtown?
   • Whatever are you talking about?
   • Whatever possessed him to say such a thing?

3. Dismissive pronoun expressing indifference or resignationB2slang

   Used as a standalone interjection or response to indicate that the speaker does not care about the outcome, is unwilling to argue, or accepts a situation reluctantly.

   Abwertendes Pronomen, das Gleichgültigkeit oder Resignation ausdrückt

   • We can go now or later. — Whatever.
   • If you don't want to help, whatever.
   • He said I was wrong, but whatever, I know the truth.
   • Do it your way. — Whatever works for you.
   • She kept complaining, and I just thought, whatever.