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 whatsoever it may be.
Note: 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.
Note: 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.
At any rate, In any case, whatever may be the state of
affairs; anyhow.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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