anyone

[en-ee-wuhn, -wuhn]

pronoun

1. any person at all; anybody.

   Did anyone see the accident?

anyone

/ ˈɛnɪˌwʌn, -wən /

pronoun

1. any person; anybody

2. (used with a negative or a question) a person of any importance

   is he anyone in this town?

3. (often preceded by just) any person at random; no matter who

Usage

See each, they ( def. ).

Spelling Note

Anyone as a pronoun meaning “anybody” or “any person at all” is written as one word: Does anyone have the correct time? The two-word phrase any one means “any single member of a group of persons or things” and is often followed by of: Can any one of the members type? Any one of these books is exciting reading. Anyone is somewhat more formal than anybody.

Word History and Origins

Origin of anyone¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, anyone is from Middle English ani on. See any, one

Example Sentences

Giving evidence on the second day of his trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, Mr Linehan said: "Trans activists have spent the last 10 years demonising anyone who stands up to them."

From BBC

His hand bruises, swollen ankles, thinning hair, widening waist, raspy voice, lack of energy, slovenly attire and seemingly incoherent speech is reason enough for him to avoid anyone but the mostly favorable press pool — and on an increasingly limited basis at that.

From Salon

His hand bruises, swollen ankles, thinning hair, widening waist, raspy voice, lack of energy, slovenly attire and seemingly incoherent speech is reason enough for him to avoid anyone but the mostly favorable press pool — and on an increasingly limited basis at that.

From Salon

The Women's Super League returns on Friday with Chelsea seeking to win a seventh successive title - will anyone stop them?

From BBC

Manager Renee Slegers has proven her pedigree and if anyone can get that out of them, it is her.

From BBC

Related Words

• all 
• anybody 
• everybody 
• everyone 
• one 
• public 
• you