somebody

The word “somebody” means an unspecified or unknown person. In plain terms, either "an unnamed person" or, informally, "someone important".

“Somebody” is pronounced SUHMB-o-dee (/ˈsʌmˌbədi/ in IPA).

Here is “somebody” used in a sentence: “Somebody left their umbrella in the hallway.”

Depending on how it is used, “somebody” can be a pronoun and a noun.

The word “somebody” comes from Middle English. From Middle English sum body, literally "some body" — some + body.

“Somebody” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Somebody” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an unspecified or unknown person.

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.

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.

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.