somebody
8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for somebody, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Pronoun — An unspecified or unknown person.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
a person
an individual
somebody or other
Synonyms by Meaning
1. pronoun
An unspecified or unknown person.
“Somebody has to clean this mess up.”
Opposites
Etymology
From Middle English sum body, literally "some body" — some + body.
Full origin of somebody →Frequently asked questions
What does “somebody” mean?
The word “somebody” means an unspecified or unknown person. In plain terms, either "an unnamed person" or, informally, "someone important".
How do you pronounce “somebody”?
“Somebody” is pronounced SUHMB-o-dee (/ˈsʌmˌbədi/ in IPA).
How do you use “somebody” in a sentence?
Here is “somebody” used in a sentence: “Somebody left their umbrella in the hallway.”
What part of speech is “somebody”?
Depending on how it is used, “somebody” can be a pronoun and a noun.
Where does the word “somebody” come from?
The word “somebody” comes from Middle English. From Middle English sum body, literally "some body" — some + body.
Is “somebody” a common word?
“Somebody” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “somebody” have?
“Somebody” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an unspecified or unknown person.
What is the difference between somebody and someone?
There is virtually no difference in meaning; both refer to an unspecified person. Someone is often felt to be slightly more formal or neutral, while somebody can sound a touch more conversational. They are interchangeable in almost every sentence, so you can safely choose whichever reads more naturally.
What is the difference between somebody and anybody?
Somebody suggests a particular though unidentified person and suits positive statements, as in somebody called for you. Anybody refers to no specific person and fits questions and negatives, as in is anybody there or nobody answered. The choice signals whether you have a definite person in mind.
Can somebody mean an important person?
Yes. Used with emphasis, somebody can mean a person of significance, as in she really wants to be somebody. In this sense it contrasts with nobody, meaning a person of no importance. Context and stress make clear whether you mean an unspecified person or someone notable.
