What's the difference between who and whosoever?

Who


Definition:

  • (object.) Originally, an interrogative pronoun, later, a relative pronoun also; -- used always substantively, and either as singular or plural. See the Note under What, pron., 1. As interrogative pronouns, who and whom ask the question: What or which person or persons? Who and whom, as relative pronouns (in the sense of that), are properly used of persons (corresponding to which, as applied to things), but are sometimes, less properly and now rarely, used of animals, plants, etc. Who and whom, as compound relatives, are also used especially of persons, meaning the person that; the persons that; the one that; whosoever.
  • (pron.) One; any; one.

Example Sentences:

Whosoever


Definition:

  • (pron.) Whatsoever person; any person whatever that; whoever.

Example Sentences:

  • (1) I’m supporting the commander-in-chief of the Republic of the Gambia – of the Islamic Republic of the Gambia – whosoever it may be,” he said.
  • (2) Marvel editor Wil Moss said: "The inscription on Thor's hammer reads, 'Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.'
  • (3) OK, at every public event in the US there is always someone holding up a sign reading "John 3:16", which is the biblical passage "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
  • (4) "For whosoever hath, to [her] shall be given … but whosoever hath not, from [her] shall be taken away even that [she] hath."

Words possibly related to "whosoever"