any

any
any (adj.) O.E. ænig "any, anyone," lit. "one-y," from P.Gmc. *ainagas (Cf. O.S. enig, O.N. einigr, O.Fris. enich, Du. enig, Ger. einig), from PIE *oi-no- "one, unique" (see ONE (Cf. one)). The -y may have diminutive force here.
Emphatic form any old ______ (British variant: any bloody ______) is recorded from 1896. At any rate is recorded from 1847. Among the large family of compounds beginning with any-, anykyn "any kind" (c.1300) did not survive, and Anywhen (1831) is rarely used, but OED calls it "common in Southern [British] dialects."

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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Synonyms:
(of many), / (indefinitely), , ,


Look at other dictionaries:

  • any — 1. use with singular or plural nouns. Any can be used with a singular or plural noun, or with an uncountable noun such as homework and happiness, to denote choice from three or more people or things (for choice from two, either is used): • The… …   Modern English usage

  • Any — A ny, a. & pron. [OE. [ae]ni[yogh], [ae]ni, eni, ani, oni, AS. [=ae]nig, fr. [=a]n one. It is akin to OS. [=e]nig, OHG. einic, G. einig, D. eenig. See {One}.] 1. One indifferently, out of an indefinite number; one indefinitely, whosoever or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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  • Any — A ny, adv. To any extent; in any degree; at all. [1913 Webster] You are not to go loose any longer. Shak. [1913 Webster] Before you go any farther. Steele. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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  • any — Mot Monosíl·lab Nom masculí …   Diccionari Català-Català

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