Nobody: meaning, definitions and examples

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nobody

 

[หˆnoสŠหŒbษ’di ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Pronoun

indefinite pronoun

Used to refer to no person; not anybody.

Synonyms

no one, none, not a soul.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nobody

Use 'nobody' when you want to emphasize that there is not a single person involved or present.

  • Nobody came to the meeting
  • Nobody knows the answer
no one

'No one' is similar to 'nobody' but might be considered slightly more formal. It can be used in formal writing or speech.

  • No one understands her
  • No one was at the party
not a soul

'Not a soul' is a more poetic or emphatic way to say that absolutely no one is present. It is often used in storytelling or descriptive writing.

  • There was not a soul in sight
  • The room was empty; not a soul was there
none

'None' can refer to not any people, things, or amount. It is often used after a subject that indicates a group or a set.

  • None of the students passed the exam
  • None left any tips

Examples of usage

  • Nobody was there when I arrived.
  • I asked for help, but nobody responded.
  • She felt like nobody understood her.
Context #2 | Noun

someone who is not important or famous

A person of no importance, influence, or power.

Synonyms

commoner, insignificant person, nonentity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nobody

Use when referring to a person without significance or influence. This term can carry a negative connotation because it minimizes a person's value.

  • 'He's just a nobody in the corporate world
  • ' 'She felt like a nobody in the big city
  • '
nonentity

Use when describing someone who is considered to lack any distinctive qualities or not be important. This term is derogatory and reflects a dismissive attitude.

  • 'In the world of politics, he's a nonentity
  • ' 'She was treated as a nonentity by her colleagues
  • '
insignificant person

Use when specifically wanting to emphasize someone's lack of importance or relevance. This term is inherently negative and diminishes the person's importance.

  • 'To them, he was just an insignificant person
  • ' 'Being treated like an insignificant person hurt her feelings
  • '
commoner

Use when distinguishing between ordinary people and those of higher social rank, such as royalty or nobility. This term is neutral and often used in historical or formal contexts.

  • 'The prince married a commoner
  • ' 'Commoners were not allowed in the royal court
  • '

Examples of usage

  • He was just a nobody before he became a famous actor.
  • She felt like a nobody in the presence of all the celebrities.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from Old English 'nฤnbody', which means no one or not a single person.
  • It was first recorded in the late 15th century, indicating a long history in the English language.
  • In literature, itโ€™s often used to denote absence or loneliness, capturing deep emotions.

Literature

  • Famous authors like Shakespeare explored themes of identity and presence using the concept of nobody.
  • The phrase 'nobody's perfect' is a popular expression highlighting the fallibility of humans.
  • In modern novels, characters often struggle with feelings of being a nobody as a central theme.

Philosophy

  • The idea of nobody poses questions about existence and identity, prompting discussions on what it means to be recognized.
  • Existentialists may argue that feeling like nobody reflects deeper truths about the human condition.
  • This concept can lead to analyzing societal values regarding worth and recognition.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'Nobody puts Baby in a corner' from the movie 'Dirty Dancing' signifies valuing individuals and rejecting invisibility.
  • In music, songs about feeling like a nobody resonate with many, emphasizing themes of empathy and connection.
  • Characters labeled as 'nobodies' in films often go on transformative journeys to find their voice.

Psychology

  • Feeling like nobody can lead to issues such as low self-esteem or social anxiety, impacting mental health.
  • Psychologists often study the effects of social exclusion, relating to the concept of nobody in social contexts.
  • Empathy plays a crucial role in countering feelings of being a nobody, highlighting the importance of connection and recognition.

Translations

Translations of the word "nobody" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ninguรฉm

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‹เคˆ เคจเคนเฅ€เค‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช niemand

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tidak ada

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝั–ั…ั‚ะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nikt

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ชฐใ‚‚ (ใ ใ‚Œใ‚‚)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท personne

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ nadie

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hiรง kimse

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•„๋ฌด๋„ (amudo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ุง ุฃุญุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nikdo

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nikto

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฒกๆœ‰ไบบ (mรฉiyว’u rรฉn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nihฤe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ enginn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะตัˆะบั–ะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ แƒแƒ•แƒ˜แƒœ (aravin)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ heรง kim

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ nadie