Anybody: meaning, definitions and examples

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anybody

 

[ ˈɛnɪˌbɒdi ]

Pronoun / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Pronoun

indefinite

Any person at all, regardless of identity or specific characteristics.

Synonyms

anyone, everyone, somebody.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
anybody

Used when referring to any person in general. Often employed in questions or negative sentences.

  • Is there anybody who can help me with this?
  • I don't think anybody is coming to the party.
anyone

Similar to 'anybody', but slightly more formal. It is also used in questions, negative sentences, and to generalize any person.

  • Does anyone know the answer to this question?
  • I don't see anyone in the room.
somebody

Refers to an unspecified person, but implies that the speaker has a particular person in mind. Used in positive statements.

  • Somebody left their phone on the table.
  • I need to ask somebody for directions.
everyone

Refers to all people in a group. It is inclusive and used in positive sentences.

  • Everyone enjoyed the concert last night.
  • Can everyone please be quiet?

Examples of usage

  • Anybody can join the club, no restrictions.
  • Does anybody know the answer to this question?
  • She will talk to anybody who will listen.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person of importance or authority.

Synonyms

important person, notable figure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
anybody

Use it when referring to any person in a general, non-specific sense. Suitable for casual or everyday conversation.

  • Anybody can learn to play the guitar if they practice enough.
  • Is there anybody here who can help me?
important person

Use it when referring to someone who holds significant influence, power, or status in a given context. Suitable for polite or formal situations.

  • The CEO is a very important person in the company.
  • They invited several important persons to the charity event.
notable figure

Use it to describe someone who is well-known and has achieved recognition in a particular field. Suitable for formal or academic contexts.

  • She is a notable figure in the world of science.
  • The conference will feature several notable figures from the art community.

Examples of usage

  • He's a real anybody in the music industry.
  • She's not just an anybody, she's a well-known author.

Translations

Translations of the word "anybody" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alguém

🇮🇳 कोई

🇩🇪 jemand

🇮🇩 seseorang

🇺🇦 хтось

🇵🇱 ktoś

🇯🇵 誰か (dareka)

🇫🇷 quelqu'un

🇪🇸 alguien

🇹🇷 biri

🇰🇷 누군가 (nugunga)

🇸🇦 شخص ما

🇨🇿 někdo

🇸🇰 niekto

🇨🇳 某人 (mǒurén)

🇸🇮 nekdo

🇮🇸 einhver

🇰🇿 біреу

🇬🇪 ვიღაც

🇦🇿 kiminsə

🇲🇽 alguien

Etymology

The word 'anybody' originated from the Old English word 'ænigbodi', which is a combination of 'ænig' meaning 'any' and 'boda' meaning 'messenger'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to any person at all, regardless of identity or status.

See also: bodily, bodycon, bodyguard, bodysuit, bodywork, bodyworker, embody, everybody, nobody, somebody.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,364, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.