any

Universal Words determiner, pronoun, adverb determiner 1 used with uncountable or plural nouns in negative sentences and questions, after if or whether, and after some verbs such as prevent, ban, avoid, etc. to refer to an amount or a number of sth, however large or small: I didn't eat any meat. * Are there any stamps in that drawer? * I've got hardly any money. * You can't go out without any shoes. * He forbids any talking in class. * She asked if we had any questions. HELPNOTE In positive sentences some is usually used instead of any: I've got some paper if you want it. It is also used in questions that expect a positive answer: Would you like some milk in your tea? 2 used with singular countable nouns to refer to one of a number of things or people, when it does not matter which one: Take any book you like. * Any colour will do. * Any teacher will tell you that students learn at different rates. seealsoin any case at CASEn., in any event at EVENT, at any rate at RATEn. 3 not just ~ used to show that sb/sth is special: It isn't just any day-it's my birthday! pronoun 1 used in negative sentences and in questions and after if or whether to refer to an amount or a number, however large or small: We need some more paint; there isn't any left. * I need some stamps. Are there any in your bag? * Please let me know how many are coming, if any. * She spent hardly any of the money. * He returned home without any of the others. HELPNOTE In positive sentences some is usually used instead of any. It is also used in questions that expect a positive reply: I've got plenty of paper-would you like some? 2 one or more of a number of people or things, especially when it does not matter which: I'll take any you don't want. * 'Which colour do you want?' 'Any of them will do.' IDIOMS sb isn't having any (of it) (informal) sb is not interested or does not agree: I suggested sharing the cost, but he wasn't having any of it. adverb 1 used to emphasize an adjective or adverb in negative sentences or questions, meaning 'at all': He wasn't any good at French. * I can't run any faster. * Is your father feeling any better? * I don't want any more. * If you don't tell them, nobody will be any the wiser. 2 (AmE, informal) used at the end of a negative sentence to mean 'at all': That won't hurt you any.