somebody
pron. · n.-
1 an unknown person (pron.) A1 Beginnera person, but you do not know or say exactly who they are.
an unspecified or unknown person. Functions as a singular pronoun and typically takes a singular verb.
ExampleSomebody left the front door open, and now the house is freezing.
ExampleSomebody must have entered the building after the security guard finished his rounds, as the alarm was triggered at midnight.
- nobody
- no one
PitfallSomebody have left their umbrella.Somebody has left their umbrella.Even though 'somebody' refers to people in general, it is grammatically singular and requires a singular verb like 'has' or 'is'.
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2 an important person (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informala person who is famous, successful, or important.
a person of importance, authority, or celebrity status. Often used in contrast with 'nobody'.
ExampleHe worked hard because he really wanted to be somebody one day.
ExampleAfter years of playing minor roles in local theatre, she finally became a somebody in Hollywood following her breakout performance.
- nobody
- nonentity
From Middle English sum body, equivalent to some + body.