anything
gb/ˈɛniθˌɪŋ/ us/ˈɛniθˌɪŋ/
A2
Anglais
~ 400
Sens
0 sens
pronoun
A2
relation
1
any object, event, or idea
Used to talk about any thing, action, or idea, without saying which one.
Schéma d’usage :
[anything] + [verb]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'anything' with 'something' in positive sentences. 'Anything' is more common in questions and negatives.
Synonymes
whatever (Often more informal or emphatic; can imply indifference.)
Antonymes
nothing (Refers to no thing at all, the absence of anything.)
Collocations
do anything
|say anything
|if anything
|anything else
|anything at all
Thèmes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- You can choose anything from the menu.
- Is there anything I can help you with?
- She’ll do anything to protect her family.
- I don’t know anything about that topic.
- If you need anything, just call me.
Exemples pédagogiques
- I don’t want anything to eat.
- Do you have anything in blue?
- He can fix anything.
- Is there anything in the box?
- I can’t see anything.
pronoun
B1
entity
2
something of importance
Used to mean something important or worth noticing.
Schéma d’usage :
be [anything] to [someone]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may not recognize the idiomatic use of 'anything' to mean 'something important', and take it literally.
Synonymes
something (More general; doesn't emphasize importance as strongly.)
Antonymes
nothing (Indicates no importance or value.)
Collocations
mean anything
|be worth anything
|be anything to someone
Thèmes
emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Exemples
- Does winning this prize mean anything to you?
- Your opinion means more than anything to me.
- That old car isn't worth anything now.
Exemples pédagogiques
- Your smile means a lot to me.
- The book is not worth anything.
- Her help means more than anything.
pronoun
A2
relation
3
no matter what thing
Used when it doesn’t matter what thing happens or is chosen.
Schéma d’usage :
[anything] + [clause]
Synonymes
whatever (Often interchangeable; 'whatever' can sound more casual or dismissive.)
Collocations
anything goes
|anything can happen
Thèmes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- You can say anything as long as you're honest.
- Anything you decide will be fine with me.
- I'll eat anything if I'm hungry enough.
Exemples pédagogiques
- You can wear anything you like.
- Anything will be okay for dinner.
- I will go anywhere and do anything.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
anything
API
GB/ˈɛniθˌɪŋ/
US/ˈɛniθˌɪŋ/
Syllabes et accentuation
any - thing (2 syllabes)
Stress on 1st syllable (any)
Formes du mot
Noun
- Base: anything
- Plural: anythings
Famille de mots
Expressions
anything goes
1/ˈɛniθˌɪŋ ɡˈoʊz/
fixed phrase
informal
no rules or restrictions apply
Used to say there are no rules or limits for what can be done.
Exemples
- It’s a party where anything goes.
- In this art class, anything goes.
if anything
1/ˈɪf ˈɛniθˌɪŋ/
fixed phrase
introduces a contrasting statement
Used to say that the opposite of what was said before is true or more true.
Exemples
- I’m not tired; if anything, I feel more awake than before.
- The plan didn’t fail; if anything, it worked better than we hoped.
more than anything
1/mˈɔɹ ðən ˈɛniθˌɪŋ/
fixed phrase
greatest preference or desire
Used to say what you want or like most of all.
Exemples
- She wants to travel more than anything.
- More than anything, I hope you’re happy.