First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1any
adjective \ˈe-nē\
—used to indicate a person or thing that is not particular or specific
Full Definition of ANY
1
: one or some indiscriminately of whatever kind: a : one or another taken at random <ask any man you meet> b : every —used to indicate one selected without restriction <any child would know that>
2
: one, some, or all indiscriminately of whatever quantity: a : one or more —used to indicate an undetermined number or amount <have you any money> b : all —used to indicate a maximum or whole <needs any help he can get> c : a or some without reference to quantity or extent <grateful for any favor at all>
3
a : unmeasured or unlimited in amount, number, or extent <any quantity you desire> b : appreciably large or extended <could not endure it any length of time>
See any defined for English-language learners
See any defined for kids
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Origin of ANY
Middle English, from Old English ǣnig; akin to Old High German einag any, Old English ān one — more at one
2any
pronoun, singular or plural in construction
Definition of ANY
1
: any person or persons : anyone
2
a : any thing or things b : any part, quantity, or number
First Known Use of ANY
before 12th century
Rhymes with ANY
3any
adverb
: to the least amount or degree
Full Definition of ANY
: to any extent or degree : at all <was never any good> <no, it doesn't help me any>
See any defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ANY
14th century
ANY[1] Defined for Kids
1any
adjective \ˈe-nē\
Definition of ANY for Kids
1
: whichever one of <Ask directions from any person you meet.>
2
: of whatever number or amount <Do you need any help?>
2any
pronoun
Definition of ANY for Kids
1
: any one or ones of the people or things in a group <Are any of you ready?>
2
: any amount <Is there any left?>
3any
adverb
Definition of ANY for Kids
: to the least amount or degree <You can't get it any cleaner.> <This watch was never any good.>
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