# anybody

/ˈɛnibədi/ (US) · /ˈɛnɪbˌɒdi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/anybody
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. any person

pronoun · CEFR A2

any person at all, used mostly in questions or with 'not'.

For teachers: refers to an unspecified person; functions as a singular pronoun and is typically used in negative or interrogative clauses.

- I didn't see anybody I knew at the party last night.
- The manager asked if anybody had witnessed the incident, but the staff remained silent as they were unsure of the details.

Usage: Takes a singular verb, but is often referred to by plural pronouns like 'they' or 'them'.

### 2. an important person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a person who is important, famous, or successful.

For teachers: a person of social standing, importance, or significant reputation.

- You have to dress well if you want to be anybody in this town.
- In that exclusive social circle, you weren't considered anybody unless you owned a home in the city and a villa by the coast.

Usage: Usually used in the predicate after the verb 'to be'.

## Examples

- Does anybody have a pen?
- I didn't see anybody I knew at the party, so I left early.
- The challenge is open to anybody who wishes to participate, provided they meet the basic age requirements and submit their application before the deadline.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.