anything
anything
Pronunciation
anything
/ˈɛn.i.ˌθɪŋ/
en: /ˈɛn/
y: /i/
thing: /ˌθɪŋ/
Word Form Variations
"Anything" is an indefinite pronoun and does not have typical singular, plural, or other word form variations like nouns or verbs. It remains "anything" regardless of the context.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Pronoun
Definition 1: A non-specific item, idea, or concept; something unspecified or undifferentiated.
Synonyms: something, whatever, everything (in some contexts of scope)
Antonyms: nothing, specific item, particular thing
Example: "Do you need anything from the store?"
Definition 2: Used to emphasize a broad or extreme possibility; a strong affirmation of scope.
Synonyms: everything, absolutely anything, whatever at all
Antonyms: nothing at all, not a thing
Example: "He'd do anything to help his family."
Adverb
Definition 1: To any extent or degree; in any way whatsoever. (Often used with a negative or interrogative)
Synonyms: at all, in any way, whatsoever
Antonyms: not at all, in no way
Example: "He doesn't look anything like his brother."
Definition 2: Used to indicate a similarity or resemblance, often in a comparative context.
Synonyms: somewhat, rather, quite
Antonyms: not at all, completely dissimilar
Example: "The new movie is anything but boring." (Here "anything but" functions idiomatically to mean "not at all")
Examples of Use
Books:
"If there is anything that we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could be better changed in ourselves." (Carl Jung, Modern Man in Search of a Soul)
"He had been anything but a hero when he was caught shoplifting at the local supermarket." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)
Newspapers:
"The city council vowed to do anything necessary to address the rising homelessness crisis." (The New York Times)
"Analysts suggest that the company's stock performance could be anything from a slight dip to a significant surge, depending on market conditions." (The Wall Street Journal)
Online Publications:
"Social media influencers often feel pressure to curate their lives, making it seem like they have everything, when in reality, anything can be edited." (Forbes.com, "The Illusion of Perfection")
"Experts caution that while AI offers immense potential, it's not a magic bullet for anything; human oversight remains crucial." (Wired.com, "The Future of AI")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Is there anything else I can do for you?" (Dialogue from the film Casablanca)
Television Series: "I wouldn't trade this for anything." (Dialogue from Friends, Episode: "The One Where Ross Got High")
Music (Song Lyrics): "I'd do anything for love, but I won't do that." (Meat Loaf, "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)")
Video Games: (On-screen text or dialogue) "Press 'A' to pick up anything of interest." (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Nintendo)
Podcasts: "Our guest today argues that open-source technology is anything but a niche interest; it's becoming mainstream." (NPR's Planet Money podcast, "The Open Source Revolution")
General Public Discourse:
"Do you need anything from the grocery store while I'm out?" (Common question asked among family members or housemates)
"After that long flight, I'm so tired, I could eat anything." (Common expression of hunger after travel)
"That new restaurant is anything but cheap, but the food is amazing." (Casual conversation about a dining experience)
"If anything happens, please call me immediately." (Instruction given in a situation requiring caution or concern)
10 Famous Quotes Using Anything
"You can do anything, but not everything." — David Allen
"Anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve." — J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
"A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything." — Malcolm X
"You must do the thing you think you cannot do. Anything less is a betrayal of your potential." — Eleanor Roosevelt (paraphrased)
"Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Not even yourself. You can do anything." — Will Smith (inspired by The Pursuit of Happyness)
"If you don't risk anything, you risk even more." — Erica Jong
"Anything worth doing is worth doing well." — Hunter S. Thompson (often attributed)
"I never worry about action, but only inaction. Anything is better than nothing." — Winston Churchill (paraphrased)
"You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time — about anything." — Abraham Lincoln (often cited)
"If you want to be anything, be kind." — Unknown (widely quoted in modern inspirationals)
Etymology
The word "anything" is a combination of two older English words: "any" and "thing."
"Any" comes from the Old English word "ǣniġ," which meant "one," "a," "an," or "some." It implied a sense of choice or lack of restriction, like "any one of these."
"Thing" comes from the Old English word "þing," which originally referred to an assembly or a meeting, but over time, it came to mean a specific item, object, or matter.
So, "anything" literally meant "any thing." Its first known use in this combined form, with the meaning of "a thing" in a general or indefinite sense, dates back to the Late Old English period (before 1150 AD).
Essentially, it was used to refer to something unspecified, or something that could be "whatever" it might be. This broad and inclusive meaning has remained central to "anything" throughout its history.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Anything
Anything goes (informal: said when there are no rules or restrictions)
Anything but... (used to emphasize the opposite of what is stated)
If anything (used to introduce a comment that adds to or corrects what has just been said, often in a contrary way)
Anything you can do, I can do better. (a boastful statement of superiority)
Anything close to... (indicating a resemblance or approximation)
Anything like... (similar to "anything close to," suggesting resemblance)
For anything (meaning for any reason or under any circumstances, often in negative contexts)
Not for anything (emphatically meaning "under no circumstances")
Anything at all (used for emphasis)
Anything could happen (expressing uncertainty or the possibility of unforeseen events)
Like anything (informal: with great force or speed)
Anything to do with... (referring to a connection or relevance)
If nothing else, anything... (meaning at the very least, something)
(Do) anything to get ahead (willingness to take extreme measures for success)
Not worth anything (meaning valueless)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of anything from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
