any

The definition of any is a quantity, and can be used in place of some or one.

(adjective)

An example of the use of the word any is when asking if there are some teabags in the cabinet.

Any refers to a selection of several things.

(adjective)

An example of using the word any is to say that, when someone asks which day is good for an appointment, whichever day is good.

Any can be used to refer in vague terms to a person or people.

(pronoun)

An example of usage of the word any is to say that someone has achieved more than another.

Any is defined as an amount or degree.

(adverb)

An example of the word any is to ask if something is much longer than something else.

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See any in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. one, no matter which, of more than two: any pupil may answer
  2. some, no matter how much or how little, how many, or what kind: he can't tolerate any criticism
  3. without limit: entitled to any number of admissions
  4. even one; the least amount or number of: I haven't any dimes
  5. every: any child can do it
  6. of considerable size or extent: we won't be able to travel any distance before nightfall

Origin: ME ani < OE ænig < an, one; akin to Ger einig, ON einigr

pronoun

any one or ones; any amount or number

adverb

to any degree or extent; at all: is he any better this morning?

See any in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. One, some, every, or all without specification: Take any book you want. Are there any messages for me? Any child would love that. Give me any food you don't want.
  2. Exceeding normal limits, as in size or duration: The patient cannot endure chemotherapy for any length of time.
pron. (used with a sing. or pl. verb)
Any one or more persons, things, or quantities.
adverb
To any degree or extent; at all: didn't feel any better.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English ani

Origin: , from Old English ǣnig; see oi-no- in Indo-European roots

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Usage Note: When used as a pronoun, any can take either a singular or plural verb, depending on how it is construed: Any of these books is suitable (that is, any one). But are any (that is, some) of them available? • The construction of any is often used in informal contexts to mean “of all,” as in He is the best known of any living playwright. In an earlier survey this example was unacceptable in writing to 67 percent of the Usage Panel. • Any is also used to mean “at all” before a comparative adjective or adverb in questions and negative sentences: Is she any better? Is he doing any better? He is not any friendlier than before. This usage is entirely acceptable. The related use of any to modify a verb is considered informal. In writing, one should avoid sentences like It didn't hurt any or If the child cries any, give her the bottle. See Usage Notes at every, they.

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