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 Note

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

After nearly a decade of this, though, anyone who has bet good money on elected Republicans standing up to Trump has already gone broke.

From Salon

Mr Lumley said there were "too many incidents of bruising for it not to have been the result of neglect", adding anyone living with Charlie bore "criminal responsibility" for what happened to him.

From BBC

“I think anyone who is autistic, they will be happy to be represented,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

Grasso was “exasperated,” according to court filings, and insisted she could work with anyone.

From Los Angeles Times

The correct frame for this election was not how entertaining or outrageous anyone is, or how well one side or another is doing.

From Salon

Related Words

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