anybody
anybody
Pronunciation
anybody / /ˌɛn.iˈbɒd.i/
en- /ɛn/
/ɛ/ - as in "bed"
/n/ - as in "nap"
-y- /i/
/i/ - as in "happy"
-bod- /bɒd/
/b/ - as in "bat"
/ɒ/ - as in "cot" (or /ɑ/ in some dialects)
/d/ - as in "dog"
-y /i/
/i/ - as in "happy"
Word Form Variations
"Anybody" is an indefinite pronoun and does not have typical singular, plural, or other word form variations like most nouns or verbs. It is used as a singular pronoun.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Pronoun
Definition 1: Any person at all; any individual within a group, regardless of their specific identity. This definition often implies an open or unrestricted choice.
Synonyms: anyone, everyone, somebody (when used in a question or negative context implying possibility)
Antonyms: nobody, no one
Definition 2: (In questions or negative statements) A person of any kind; even a single individual. This definition emphasizes the lack or presence of even one person.
Synonyms: anyone, a single person
Antonyms: nobody, no one
Definition 3: (Informal, often implying a lack of importance) An ordinary or unremarkable person.
Synonyms: commoner, ordinary person, average Joe
Antonyms: somebody (meaning an important person), VIP, celebrity
Examples of Use
Books:
"If there's a book you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." (Toni Morrison, Good Housekeeping interview, 1980) - Here, "anybody" is implied, meaning "If anyone wants to read..." (Though the direct quote doesn't use it, it's a common sentiment where the implied subject is "anybody.") A more direct example would be from J.K. Rowling: "You could not be more wrong. If anybody should be in Gryffindor, it's you." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, 1997)
"Does anybody ever get over anything?" (Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms, 1929) - This illustrates its use in a rhetorical question.
Newspapers:
"Police are appealing for information from anybody who witnessed the incident." (Headline from a local newspaper, common phrasing for public appeals, e.g., The Manchester Evening News regularly uses this form in crime reports).
"Is anybody truly prepared for the economic challenges ahead?" (Opinion piece in The New York Times, 2024) - Used to pose a broad question to the readership.
Online Publications:
"Here's why anybody who works from home needs to invest in a good office chair." (Article on a business productivity blog, e.g., Lifehacker, 2023) - Used to address a general audience relevant to the topic.
"We asked our readers: Has anybody else experienced this software glitch?" (Forum post or user feedback section on a tech news website, e.g., Ars Technica forums, 2024) - Common in online communities seeking shared experiences.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Movies: "Does anybody have a light?" (A common line in many films, indicating a general request, e.g., often heard in Westerns or thrillers where a character needs a match or lighter).
TV Shows: "If anybody knows of any just cause why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace." (Traditional wedding vow, frequently heard in TV dramas or comedies featuring weddings, e.g., Friends, The Office).
Songs: "Does anybody hear me, or am I talking to myself?" (Lyrics from "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" by Green Day, 2004) - Expresses a feeling of isolation or unheard pleas.
Podcasts: "I don't think anybody fully anticipated the impact of social media on political discourse." (Discussion on a current affairs podcast, e.g., The Daily from The New York Times, 2024) - Used to refer to a general lack of foresight.
Video Games: "Can anybody help me with this quest?" (Common player request in online multiplayer games, e.g., World of Warcraft, Destiny 2, 2025) - Used to solicit assistance from other players.
General Public Discourse:
"Did anybody remember to turn off the lights?" (Common household question, 2025) - A general query to a group.
"I don't think anybody should have to work that many hours." (Conversation among friends discussing work-life balance, 2025) - Expressing a general opinion or belief.
"Has anybody seen my keys?" (Frequent question in a shared living space or office, 2025) - A direct question to anyone who might know.
10 Famous Quotes Using Anybody
"If there's a book you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." (Toni Morrison, implied "anybody")
"Does anybody ever get over anything?" (Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms, 1929)
"You could not be more wrong. If anybody should be in Gryffindor, it's you." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, 1997)
"Does anybody hear me, or am I talking to myself?" (Green Day, "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," 2004)
"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. Because anybody can be defeated." (Martin Luther King Jr., Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech, 1964)
"Does anybody have a light?" (A common line in many films, e.g., Casablanca, 1942)
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, 1960, implicitly meaning "until anybody climbs into his skin...")
"If anybody knows of any just cause why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace." (Traditional wedding vow)
"You can observe a lot by watching." (Yogi Berra, 1961, implicitly meaning "anybody" can observe a lot)
"I don't belong to anybody, and I'm not going to be owned by anybody." (Marilyn Monroe, attributed)
Etymology
The word "anybody" is pretty straightforward in its origins! It's simply a combination of two older English words: "any" and "body."
Let's break it down:
Any: This part comes from the Old English word "ænig," which meant "one," "anyone," or "some." It had the sense of being "one of a kind" or "any at all."
Body: This comes from the Old English word "bodig," which referred to the "trunk of a person or animal," or the "whole physical structure." Over time, "body" also started being used to mean "a person" or "a human being."
So, when these two words came together, probably around the year 1300, "anybody" (originally written as two separate words like "ani-bodi") meant exactly what it sounds like: "any person" or "any individual." It was used to refer to a general, unspecified person, much like we use it today.
The one-word spelling "anybody" became more common much later, by about 1826.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Anybody
Anybody's guess: It's uncertain or unknown; no one can predict.
Not just anybody: Emphasizing that the person is special or highly qualified.
If anybody: Used to introduce a hypothetical situation where a specific person might be involved.
Does anybody mind...? (or Does anybody care...?): A polite way to ask if someone has an objection or interest.
Couldn't tell anybody apart: Indicating that people look very similar or are indistinguishable.
Has anybody seen...? A common question asking about the whereabouts of someone or something.
Talk to anybody who'll listen: To speak indiscriminately, often out of desperation or a strong desire to communicate.
He's not just anybody off the street: He's a significant or important person.
Not worth anybody's time: Something that is unproductive or pointless.
Anybody's game: Referring to a competition where any participant has a chance to win.
Don't tell anybody: A plea for secrecy or discretion.
Anybody home? (or Is anybody home?): A question asked upon entering a seemingly empty dwelling; also used metaphorically to question someone's attentiveness.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of anybody from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
