any

American  

[en-ee] / ˈɛn i /

adjective

1. one, a, an, or some; one or more without specification or identification.

   If you have any witnesses, produce them. Pick out any six you like.

2. whatever or whichever it may be.

   cheap at any price.

3. in whatever quantity or number, great or small; some.

   Do you have any butter?

4. every; all.

   Any schoolboy would know that. Read any books you find on the subject.

5. (following a negative) at all.

   She can't endure any criticism.

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pronoun

1. an unspecified person or persons; anybody; anyone.

   He does better than any before him.

2. a single one or ones; an unspecified thing or things; a quantity or number.

   We don't have any left.

adverb

1. in whatever degree; to some extent; at all.

   Do you feel any better?

idioms

1. any which way, in any manner whatever; indifferently or carelessly.

   Doing your work any which way is just not good enough.

any British  

/ ˈɛnɪ /

determiner

1. 1. one, some, or several, as specified, no matter how much or many, what kind or quality, etc

      any cheese in the cupboard is yours

      you may take any clothes you like

   2. ( as pronoun; functioning as sing or plural )

      take any you like

2. (usually used with a negative)

   1. even the smallest amount or even one

      I can't stand any noise

   2. ( as pronoun; functioning as sing or plural )

      don't give her any

3. whatever or whichever; no matter what or which

   any dictionary will do

   any time of day

4. an indefinite or unlimited amount or number (esp in the phrases any amount or number )

   any number of friends

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adverb

1. (usually used with a negative)

   1. (foll by a comparative adjective) to even the smallest extent

      it isn't any worse now

   2. not_standard at all

      he doesn't care any

any More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing any

• at any rate
• by any means
• go to any length
• in any case
• under any (no) circumstances

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Commonly Confused

See some.

Etymology

Origin of any

First recorded before 950; Middle English eni, ani, Old English ǣnig ( Old English ān one + -ig -y ¹ )

Example Sentences

Of course, no influencer plot would be complete without the threat of online cancellation — and just when things can’t get any worse, Natalie enters the parallel universe of the past.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

The Endangered Species Act requires that federal agencies avoid any action that is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any species listed under the act.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

It’s amusing that Altman would say of his new hires, “I don’t expect them to go any easier on us.”

From Slate • Apr. 7, 2026

"I certainly wouldn't support any kind of political violence whatsoever, it's not the answer," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

However, as the humans drew closer, Clare heard a sound that squashed any good feelings.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

• all
• each
• either
• several