something

n., pronoun

1) an indefinable, indescribable, intangible something

2) something for (she has something for you)

3) something to + inf. (we have something to say)

4) (misc.) to make something of oneself ('to have success in life'); ('slang') I don't know if he wants to make something of it ('I don't know if he wants to make an issue of it); there is something unusual about them; she is something of a celebrity

USAGE NOTE: The form some and its compounds are often used in affirmative statements, whereas any and its compounds are often used in neg. and interrogative statements. Compare

we have some books to sell--we don't have any books to sell; we have something to say--do you have anything to say? we have somebody to talk to--we don't have anybody to talk to; we have somewhere to go--do you have anywhere to go?

However, in the meaning 'no matter', any and its compounds occur in affirmative statements--we will take any of these; they can say anything they want; we will talk to anyone; we will go anywhere. Some and its compounds can occur in questions, especially when an affirmative answer is expected-

don't you have something to say to me? would you like some brandy?

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['sʌmθɪŋ]

indescribable

intangible something

there is something unusual about them

('slang') I don't know if he wants to make something of it ('I don't know if he wants to make an issue of if)

an indefinable

(misc.) to make something of oneself ('to have success in life')

something for (she has something for you)

something to + inf. (we have something to say)