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somebody

somebody

1 2.5
An important person who is well known in a field
  • noun
  • /ˈsʌmˌbodi/
translation icon : persona importante
  • She worked tirelessly to ensure she would be somebody in the field of environmental science.
  • become somebodies

I mean, Nero himself is somebody like that.

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Examples

  • Many young athletes aspire to become somebody in their sports, hoping to achieve fame and recognition.

  • They make us somebodies.

  • So John is somebody that I actually got along with very well.

  • Well, I will say this as somebody whose life you have touched.

  • I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you.

  • And Ranieri was just, he was somebody who could never get enough.

  • Because of course I'm somebody who thinks you surround yourself with experts.

  • No, this is a new world we're moving into, and I want my daughters to grow up to be decent somebodies.

  • My life is littered with almost-somebodies.

  • In our industry, being somebody means not only having talent but also making valuable connections.

Synonyms

personality
vssomebody
  • Literature
136 3.7

A famous person from TV, radio, or public life

is about recognized influence or significance rather than fame alone
giant
vssomebody
126 4.0

A very important and influential person in a field

is similar but denotes general importance rather than outstanding dominance
big shot
vssomebody
  • Informal
91 3.9

A person who is important and powerful in a job or field

is influential across a whole field rather than mainly within one organization
famous person
vssomebody
50 1.0

A person many people know because of their achievements

is about importance or influence within a field rather than broad public fame
important person
vssomebody
50 1.8

A person whose actions or words change what happens for many people

is a broader label for recognized significance rather than direct impact
biggie
vssomebody
  • Informal
35 6.8

A very important event, thing, or person that matters a lot

is a neutral term for recognized significance rather than casual praise
major player
vssomebody
29 3.8

A person or company that has a lot of power in a field

is similar but focuses on individual recognition within a field
16 2.5

A person with great power or status who gets special treatment

is about recognized importance in a field rather than ceremonial status
influential person
vssomebody
15 3.2

A person whose actions or ideas strongly affect other people's choices

is the general idea of being recognized or significant, not only causing change
luminary
vssomebody
14 7.6

A famous person who inspires or influences others in a field

is the more general idea of being recognized or important without focus on inspiring
heavy hitter
vssomebody
  • Informal
12 4.9

A person who has a lot of power and influence in a field

is important too but can be less forcefully powerful or aggressive
personage
vssomebody
  • Formal
7 8.1

An important or well known person who others respect

is the active idea of being recognized and influential in a field
notable
vssomebody
5 4.1

A person who is well known and admired

is focused on recognized influence or significance rather than admiration alone

Antonyms

nobody
  • Offensive
18 2.4

A person who is not important or well known

How Important

celebrity
480 2.3
famous person
50 1.0
notable
5 4.1
somebody
1 2.5
person
1.0

Surface Forms

somebody singular
somebodies plural

Morphology

somebody = some + body (semi-transparent) = some + body

The components are visible, but the sense 'an important or significant person' is an extended, figurative use not directly predictable from 'some' + 'body'.

Etymology

Somebody is the same two parts, some ('a certain') and body ('person'), but people began using it to mean 'a person who matters', so to be a 'somebody' is to be important or well known.