whichever
wihch-EHV
Whichever (det) means any one out of a group, without restriction on which. Example: “Take whichever seat is free.”
det
1
Any one out of a group, without restriction on which.
"Take whichever seat is free."
"Whichever route you choose, you'll arrive by six."
"You can borrow whichever book you like from the shelf."
How to use whichever
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMeans "no matter which one" — it removes any restriction from the choice.
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Take _____ seat is free.
Etymology
Formed in Middle English from which plus ever, adding emphasis to the idea of an unrestricted choice.
Synonyms
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whichsoever
Rhymes for whichever
See all rhymes for whichever →Frequently asked questions
What does “whichever” mean?
The word “whichever” means any one out of a group, without restriction on which. In plain terms, means "no matter which one" — it removes any restriction from the choice.
How do you pronounce “whichever”?
“Whichever” is pronounced wihch-EHV (/wɪt͡ʃˈɛvɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “whichever” in a sentence?
Here is “whichever” used in a sentence: “Take whichever seat is free.”
What is another word for “whichever”?
Words with a similar meaning to “whichever” include whichsoever.
What part of speech is “whichever”?
“Whichever” is a det.
Where does the word “whichever” come from?
The word “whichever” comes from Middle English. Formed in Middle English from which plus ever, adding emphasis to the idea of an unrestricted choice.
Is “whichever” a common word?
“Whichever” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between whichever and whatever?
Whichever typically implies a choice among a limited or implied set of options, such as "choose whichever seat you like," while whatever suggests a broader, unrestricted range of possibilities. Both function similarly as determiners, but whichever often carries a slightly more specific sense of selection.
Is whichever used as both a determiner and a pronoun?
Yes, whichever can function as a determiner before a noun, as in "whichever option you pick," and also stand alone as a pronoun, as in "pick whichever you like."
Is whichever formal or informal?
Whichever is neutral in register and is used comfortably in both formal and informal English, unlike its more archaic synonym whichsoever, which sounds old-fashioned or overly formal today.
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