any
eh-nee
Any (det) means used to refer to one or some of a thing, without specifying which, especially in questions and negatives. Example: “Is there any chance we could meet tomorrow instead?”
det
1
Used to refer to one or some of a thing, without specifying which, especially in questions and negatives.
"Is there any chance we could meet tomorrow instead?"
"Do you have any milk left?"
"I don't have any plans this weekend."
2
No matter which one; every single one, without exception.
"Any of these routes will get you there on time."
"Any child can learn to swim with enough patience and practice."
"You can ask me any question you like about the trip."
adv
1
At all; to any extent (used to intensify a comparison, usually negative).
"The medicine didn't help any."
"Is your cough any better this morning?"
"We waited a long time, but the traffic didn't move any."
pron
1
Any person or thing at all, unspecified.
"If you have questions, feel free to ask any of us."
"I looked at the cakes, but I didn't want any."
"Take a leaflet if you like; there are plenty, so grab any."
How to use any
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA flexible word meaning "some," "no matter which," or "at all," depending on context.
Common pairings
any time
any of
hardly any
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Etymology
From Old English aenig, related to "one" — originally meant something close to "any single one."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for any
See all rhymes for any →Frequently asked questions
What does “any” mean?
The word “any” means used to refer to one or some of a thing, without specifying which, especially in questions and negatives. In plain terms, a flexible word meaning "some," "no matter which," or "at all," depending on context.
How do you pronounce “any”?
“Any” is pronounced eh-nee (/ɛni/ in IPA).
How do you use “any” in a sentence?
Here is “any” used in a sentence: “Do you have any milk left?”
What part of speech is “any”?
Depending on how it is used, “any” can be a det, an adverb and a pronoun.
Where does the word “any” come from?
The word “any” comes from Old English. From Old English aenig, related to "one" — originally meant something close to "any single one.".
Is “any” a common word?
“Any” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “any” have?
“Any” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to refer to one or some of a thing, without specifying which, especially in questions and negatives.
What is the difference between any and some?
Some is normally used in positive statements, as in 'I have some water.' Any is typically used in questions and negatives, as in 'Do you have any water?' or 'I don't have any.' Some suggests a definite though unspecified amount; any leaves the amount completely open.
Can any be used in positive sentences?
Yes. In affirmative sentences, any often means 'it doesn't matter which,' as in 'Any seat is fine' or 'Choose any color you like.' Here any highlights free choice among all the options rather than asking about or denying the existence of something.
What is an example of any in a sentence?
'Is there any milk left?' Here any asks about an unspecified amount in a question. Other examples include 'I don't have any change,' used in a negative, and 'Any help would be welcome,' where any means help of any kind at all.
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