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Anyone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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anyone

[ˈɛniwʌn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Pronoun

used to refer to any person, no matter who

Used to refer to any person or people, when the identity of that person is not known or not important.

Synonyms

anybody, whatever, whoever.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
anyone

Same as the first entry for 'anyone,' referring to any person in a general sense.

  • If anyone asks, tell them I'm out.
  • Can anyone help me with this problem?
anybody

Interchangeable with 'anyone,' it is also used to talk about any person, generally in questions and negative sentences.

  • Does anybody have a pen I can borrow?
  • I haven't told anybody about our plans.
whoever

Used to indicate any person at all, often to emphasize that it doesn't matter which person.

  • Whoever wins this game will get the trophy.
  • You can invite whoever you want to the event.
whatever

Used to refer to any thing or amount, without specifying what it is. Also used to express indifference.

  • You can buy whatever you like at the store.
  • Whatever. I don't really care.

Examples of usage

  • Anyone can join the club.
  • If anyone calls, tell them I'll be back soon.
  • Is anyone here?
  • I don't know if anyone is coming to the party.
  • Anyone can learn how to play the piano.
Context #2 | Noun

a person of any kind

Any person or individual, regardless of specific characteristics.

Synonyms

anybody, person, somebody.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
anyone

Used in formal or informal contexts when referring to any person without specifying who. It implies no particular individual.

  • Is there anyone who can help me with this?
  • Anyone interested in joining the club should attend the meeting.
anybody

More casual than 'anyone' and often used in informal settings. It also means any person without specifying who.

  • Does anybody have a pen I can borrow?
  • Anybody can participate in the event.
somebody

Used in informal contexts when referring to an unspecified but particular person. It often implies a known or specific person from the speaker's point of view.

  • Somebody left their phone on the table.
  • I need somebody to help me with this project.
person

Used to refer to an individual human being in a more general and neutral context. It specifies a single human.

  • We need one more person to complete the team.
  • The average person needs about eight hours of sleep.

Examples of usage

  • He is not just anyone, he is a famous actor.
  • I don't want to be with just anyone, I want to be with you.
  • She could be anyone, we have never met before.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'anyone'

The word 'anyone' originated from the Old English word 'ænig mon', which means 'any person.' Over time, the word evolved to 'anyone' in Middle English, retaining its meaning of referring to any person. The usage of 'anyone' has been consistent in English language literature and speech, becoming a common pronoun and noun in everyday communication.

See also: one, one's, oneness, oneself, onesie, only.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,570, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.