"All and sundry" is an idiomatic expression that refers to every person or thing, without exception. It is commonly used to denote inclusivity, encompassing everyone and everything involved or concerned in a particular situation, event, or circumstance. The phrase is often used in a figurative sense to imply a wide range or variety of people or things.
The term "all" in this context emphasizes the totality or entirety of a group, while "sundry" refers to various or diverse individuals or things. Together, the expression stresses the idea of inclusion and incorporates every single element or entity within a given scope.
The usage of "all and sundry" can be traced back to Middle English, where the term "sundry" was used to describe various items or people. Over time, it evolved into a fixed phrase carrying the meaning of inclusiveness and universality.
For example, in a sentence: "The announcement was made to all and sundry," it implies that the announcement was made to every single individual, leaving no one out. Similarly, "The event attracted all and sundry" indicates that a wide variety of people attended the event, including individuals from different backgrounds, ages, and social groups.
In summary, "all and sundry" is a phrase used to emphasize the inclusion of every person or thing, regardless of any specific characteristics or circumstances.
