whoso
Definition
- Pronoun (archaic):
- Any person who; whoever: "whoso" is an old-fashioned or formal pronoun meaning "whoever" or "any person that." It is used to introduce a relative clause indicating an unspecified person.
Usage Examples
- (Whoever enters this sacred place must remove their shoes.)
- (Whoever reads these words should pay attention to the warning.)
- (Whoever is without sin should be the one to throw the first stone.)
Advanced Usage
- "whoso" is typically followed by "that" or "shall" in older texts, though modern usage often omits these.
- Whoso that believeth in me shall have eternal life. (Whoever believes in me will have eternal life.)
- In legal or formal contexts, "whoso" may appear in statutes or oaths for a solemn tone.
- Whoso commits this crime shall be punished by law. (Whoever commits this crime will be punished by law.)
Variants and Related Words
Whosoever (pronoun): a more common modern variant meaning "whoever."
- Whosoever wishes to join may do so. (Whoever wishes to join may do so.)
Whomsoever (pronoun): the objective case of "whosoever," meaning "whomever."
- Give this reward to whomsoever you choose. (Give this reward to whomever you choose.)
Synonyms
- Whoever: any person who; the person that.
- Anyone who: any individual that.
- Whosoever (archaic or formal): the same as "whoever."
Related Idioms
- Whoso list to hunt: a phrase from poetry meaning "whoever wishes to hunt" (often used in literary contexts).
- Whoso list to hunt, I know where is an hind. (Whoever wishes to hunt, I know where a deer is.)
Note on Usage
"Whoso" is considered archaic and is rarely used in modern everyday English. It appears primarily in religious texts (e.g., the King James Bible), old poetry, or formal legal documents. In contemporary speech, "whoever" is the standard replacement.