Langimage
English

whichever

|which/ev/er|

B1

🇺🇸

/wɪˈtʃɛvər/

🇬🇧

/wɪˈtʃɛvə/

any one of a number

Etymology
Etymology Information

'whichever' originates from Middle English, specifically the combination of 'which' and 'ever', where 'which' meant 'what one' and 'ever' added emphasis.

Historical Evolution

'whichever' changed from the Middle English word 'whichever' and eventually became the modern English word 'whichever'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'any one of a number of things', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

used to emphasize a lack of restriction in selecting one of a number of possibilities.

You can choose whichever book you like.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Pronoun 1

any one or more of a number of things, no matter which.

Whichever you choose, you will be happy.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35