Whosoever
/ˌhuːsoʊˈɛvər/noun
An archaic or formal word meaning any person who; anyone that.
Did you know?Whosoever is not a mysterious ancient demon-word, but a transparent Old English-style compound built from interrogative + intensifier + indefinite, showing how English turned plain grammar into a solemn, almost ritual phrase.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
hwā swā ǣfre
“who so ever; whoever”
Middle English
ME
whosoevere
“whoever; any person who”
Early Modern English
English
whosoever
“whoever; any person that”
Modern English
English
whosoever
“any person who; anyone that”
Explore more surprising origins