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

From this month it is now illegal to share your sim card with anyone other than a close relative.

From BBC

He was a respected surgeon, and why would anyone lie about such a thing?

From BBC

“Just kind of lost on that thing, and if anyone knows me, knows I’m never going to cheat or anything like that.”

From Los Angeles Times

Cadw said heritage crime was widely under-reported but rising, and has encouraged anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour at heritage sites to report it.

From BBC

Gen Z fans are “fascinated by the idea of being an uncompromising rock band and conquering the world. That’s so far out of anyone’s conception of what’s possible today,” Kirk said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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