Nobody

Definition

Nobody is a pronoun and noun. As a pronoun, it refers to no person or not anyone. As a noun, it describes a person of no importance, influence, or fame.

Parts of Speech

• Pronoun
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈnoʊˌbɑː.di/, /ˈnoʊˌbə.di/
• Respelling: NOH-bah-dee, NOH-buh-dee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈnəʊˌbɒd.i/, /ˈnəʊ.bə.di/
• Respelling: NOH-bod-ee, NOH-buh-dee

Etymology

The word "nobody" originates from Middle English "no body," a compound of "no" (none) and "body," used to emphasize the absence of any person. Its use as a noun meaning "a person of no importance" began in the 16th century.

Derivatives

• Nobodiness (noun, rare)
• Nobodily (adjective, archaic)
• Nobodilyness (noun, rare, archaic)
• Nobody-like (adjective)
• Unnobody (rare, poetic usage)

Synonyms

• No one
• Not a soul
• Zero

Antonyms

• Someone
• Anybody
• Everybody

Usage

The term "nobody" is used to denote the absence of a person or to emphasize insignificance. For example, "There was nobody at home" (pronoun) or "He used to be a nobody, but now he is famous" (noun).

Related Terms

• No one: Another way to express the absence of any person.
• Anybody: Indicates the presence or possibility of any person.
• Somebody: Refers to a particular person.

Detailed Definitions

Pronoun

• No person or not anyone: Used to express the absence of people.
  • Example: "Nobody knows where she went."

Noun

• A person of no importance or influence: Describes someone considered insignificant.
  • Example: "He was treated like a nobody despite his talents."