Reading Theme:
Somebody: Meanings, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：an unknown person (somebody)
somebody
/ˈsʌmbədi/
pron./n.
a person who is not known or not named.
an unknown person
➕
/ən ʌnˈnoʊn ˈpɜːrsən/
pron./n.
Refers to a person whose identity is not known or specified, often used when the speaker cannot or does not want to name who.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Combination of 'some' (indefinite) and 'body' (person).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: 'some' plus 'body' equals a person you don't know yet.
📖 Example
Somebody knocked on the door, but when I opened it, no one was there.
An unknown person knocked on the door, but when I opened it, no one was there.
🔗 Collocations
somebody else – a different or additional person
somebody's turn – the time when a particular person should do something
somebody in charge – a person who has authority or responsibility
🔄 Synonyms
someone (pron.) – an unspecified person, identical in meaning to somebody
a person (n.) – an individual human being
an individual (n.) – a single human being as distinct from a group
🌱 Derivatives
somebodies (n.) – plural form meaning important people
somebody's (pron.) – possessive form
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Old English 'sum bodig' meaning 'a certain person,' it evolved into a common indefinite pronoun used to refer to an unknown or unspecified individual.
Meaning 2：an important person (somebody)
somebody
/ˈsʌmbədi/
pron./n.
a person who is important, successful, or famous.
an important person
➕
/ən ɪmˈpɔːrtənt ˈpɜːrsən/
pron./n.
Used to describe a person who is successful, influential, or famous; someone who matters in society.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
When she grows up, she dreams of becoming somebody in the world of ballet.
When she grows up, she dreams of becoming a famous person in the world of ballet.
🔗 Collocations
be somebody – to achieve success or recognition
make somebody of oneself – to become a successful or notable person
feel like somebody – to have a sense of importance or self-worth
🔄 Synonyms
a notable (n.) – a famous or important person
a celebrity (n.) – a famous person, especially in entertainment or sports
a big shot (n.) – an important or influential person (informal)
🚫 Antonyms
nobody (n.) – an unimportant or insignificant person
an unknown (n.) – a person who is not famous or recognized
🌱 Derivatives
somebodies (n.) – plural form referring to important people
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser