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

Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country has the "necessary will" to put an end to the war but demanded certain guarantees to prevent the recurrence of any future aggression.

From BBC

The Gulf state has begun a campaign to persuade the U.S. and allies in Europe and Asia to open the waterway by any means necessary.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We also recognize that this has had an impact beyond just us and never wanted our actions to cause any hurt or be perceived as careless.”

From Los Angeles Times

The importance of bilingualism is so high that there is an unspoken rule mandating that any Canadian leader running for prime minister speak both official languages, Larocque added.

From BBC

Asked about taking any medication, Woods named several.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• all
• each
• either
• several