anything

UK: ˈɛniθɪŋ | US: ˈɛniˌθɪŋ

Definition

  1. pron. any object, event, or matter (used to refer to a thing, no matter what)

  2. pron. used to emphasize a statement or question (e.g., "Do anything you want.")

Structure
any <some, from Old English ǣnig>thing <object, from Old English þing>
Etymology

The word "anything" combines "any" (derived from Old English ǣnig, meaning "some" or "one of many") and "thing" (from Old English þing, meaning "object," "matter," or "event"). The fusion reflects a broad, indefinite reference to objects or possibilities, evolving naturally in Middle English as a compound pronoun.

Examples

  1. You can choose anything from the menu.

  2. Is there anything I can do to help?

  3. She didn’t say anything about the meeting.

  4. He’ll eat anything except mushrooms.

  5. If anything goes wrong, call me immediately.