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

They seem to have had the most open and deep conversations so far, but I always have to wonder if the edit makes anyone seem more deep or more shallow than they are to favor the juicier stuff.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

On Kacie and Patrick, let me first say that I don’t understand how anyone could talk dirty in the pods, especially knowing that this is going to be televised.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Kalybriah’s “no” seemed fitting given the issues that they had in the weeks leading up to the wedding, and Edmond’s response was probably the most tempered I’ve seen from anyone getting rejected at the altar.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

No one is listening to anyone these days, they all agree.

Read more on Slate

But it’s more than anyone expected.

Read more on Slate

Related Words

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