anything

[ en-ee-thing ]

pronoun

1. any thing whatever; something, no matter what:

   Do you have anything for a toothache?

noun

1. a thing of any kind.

adverb

1. in any degree; to any extent; in any way; at all:

   Does it taste anything like chocolate?

anything

/ ˈɛnɪˌθɪŋ /

pronoun

1. any object, event, action, etc, whatever

   anything might happen

noun

1. a thing of any kind

   have you anything to declare?

adverb

1. in any way

   he wasn't anything like his father

2. anything but
   by no means; not in the least

   she was anything but happy

3. like anything
   (intensifier; usually euphemistic)

   he ran like anything

Word History and Origins

Origin of anything¹

before 900; Middle English ani thing, eni thing, Old English ǣnig thing. See any, thing ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. anything but, in no degree or respect; not in the least:

   The plans were anything but definite.

2. anything goes, any type of conduct, dress, speech, etc., is considered acceptable or valid or is likely to be encountered and tolerated:

   That resort is a place where anything goes!

More idioms and phrases containing anything

• can't do anything with
• if anything
• like anything
• not anything like

Example Sentences

"It’s hard to imagine anything more serious in the hospital," she said.

From BBC

The standardized tests are imperfect, but they are closer to an objective, across-the-board measure than anything else available, especially in light of grade inflation.

From Los Angeles Times

“She is sitting on the ground for two weeks, so anything can come and flush her off and eat the eggs.”

From Salon

He can get away with anything and he will.

From Salon

So, be thankful if you get anything at all.

From Salon

Related Words

• all
• everything