any Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite one or some or every or all without specification
    whatsoever; whatever.
    • give me any peaches you don't want
    • not any milk is left
    • any child would know that
    • pick any card
    • any day now
    • cars can be rented at almost any airport
    • at twilight or any other time
    • beyond any doubt
    • need any help we can get
    • give me whatever peaches you don't want
    • no milk whatsoever is left
  2. adverb to any degree or extent
    • it isn't any better

WordNet

A"ny adjective & pronoun
Etymology
OE. æni, æni, eni, ani, oni, AS. ænig, fr. an one. It is akin to OS. enig, OHG. einic, G. einig, D. eenig. See One.
Definitions
  1. One indifferently, out of an indefinite number; one indefinitely, whosoever or whatsoever it may be. ✍ Any is often used in denying or asserting without limitation; as, this thing ought not be done at any time; I ask any one to answer my question.
    No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son. Matt. xi. 27.
  2. Some, of whatever kind, quantity, or number; as, are there any witnesses present? are there any other houses like it? "Who will show us any good?" Ps. iv. 6. It is often used, either in the singular or the plural, as a pronoun, the person or thing being understood; anybody; anyone; (pl.) any persons.
    If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, . . . and it shall be given him. Jas. i. 5.
    That if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. Acts ix. 2.
A"ny adverb
Definitions
  1. To any extent; in any degree; at all.
    You are not to go loose any longer. Shak.
    Before you go any farther. Steele.

Webster 1913