Nobody Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nobody

[ˈnoʊˌbɒdi ]

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?

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?

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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'nobody'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from Old English 'nānbody', 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, it’s often used to denote absence or loneliness, capturing deep emotions.

The word 'nobody' originated in the late 16th century from the combination of 'no' and 'body', indicating no person. It has been used in English literature and everyday language to refer to a person of no importance or to emphasize the absence of anyone. The concept of nobody has been explored in various works of fiction, highlighting the feeling of insignificance or anonymity in society.