Macmillan Dictionary

Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

any

 - definition
 
 
 
Close

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Close

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

more
adverb, determiner, pronoun British English pronunciation: any /ˈeni/
Any can be used in the following ways:
as a determiner (followed by a singular countable noun): It's a puzzle that any intelligent child could solve. (followed by a plural or uncountable noun): Are there any biscuits left? ♦ He hasn't got any money.
as a pronoun (without a following noun): I looked around for toilet paper, but there wasn't any. (followed by 'of'): Have you read any of his books?
as an adverb (usually followed by the comparative form of an adjective or adverb): Are you feeling any better?
Any is used especially in questions, in negative sentences, and in clauses with 'if': Is there any coffee left? ♦ There weren't any complaints. ♦ I can lend you a map if that's any help.
 
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    [usually in negatives or questions] used instead of 'some' for saying or asking whether there is a small amount of something or a small number of people or things

    If you need any help, just let me know.

    I tried to get a ticket but there weren't any left.

    any of:

    Did any of her friends come?

    any...at all:

    Without any hesitation at all, Jane came forward to volunteer.

    few if any (=not many and possibly none):

    Few if any pianists have performed the Grieg concerto with such sensitivity.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of any
  2. 2
    used when it is not important to say which person or thing you are referring to, because what you are saying applies to everyone or everything

    It's a very simple test – any fool could pass it.

    If any member of the team was ill, Gary would take his place.

    any of:

    It was the first time that any of us had been in a plane.

    any other:

    The HCIMA card can be used in the same way as any other credit card.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of any
    1. a.
      used when it is not important which person or thing you choose

      Pick any design you want – they're all the same price.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of any
  3. 3
    [always in negatives or questions] mainly American spoken used for emphasis after a verb to mean 'at all'

    Have things improved any?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of any

phrases

This is the British English definition of any. View American English definition of any.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

View the pronunciation for any.

 

cyberloafing

using the Internet where you work, during working hours, for activities which are not work-related

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day

wane

getting smaller, weaker, or less important

Open Dictionary

show a bit of ankle

… to reveal a small part of your intentions in order to attract support, without actually committing yourself to doing anything

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog