meaning - What is the difference between "anyone" and "everyone" in this context


What is the difference between "anyone" and "everyone" in the following context?


For example,



Anyone is welcome to do such and such.



and



Everyone is welcome to do such and such.



mean exactly the same thing to me. But since I am not a native speaker, I guess there might be some subtle differences. Can anyone explain?



Answer



How to use anyone and everyone as they are typically used in English



  • Everyone means all of the group.

  • Anyone means all or any part of the group.


Original example


“Everyone is welcome to do such and such” means all are welcome.
“Anyone is welcome to do such and such” means all or any part is welcome.
In this situation, it makes no difference which word you use. Either word gives every person a welcome.


Second example


In the example below, it makes an important difference which word you use.



Does everyone (all of the group) want ice cream?



If the answer is yes, then all of the people want ice cream.
If the answer is no, then some, or maybe all, want something different.



Does anyone (all or any part of the group) want ice cream?



If the answer is yes, then at least one person wants ice cream.
If the answer is no, nobody wants ice cream.


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