anonymous
English meaning: Anonymous
Definition
Lacking a name; not named, for example an animal not assigned to any species.
Example
“The newspaper protected the identity of its anonymous source.”
Another example: “A generous but anonymous donor paid for the new playground.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Adjective meaning without a known name or identity ('an anonymous donor', 'remain anonymous'); also bland or featureless ('an anonymous office block'). Neutral to formal; common in journalism, charity and online contexts.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Greek 'anonymos' 'without a name' (an- 'without' + onyma 'name'); via Late Latin; 16th century.
Synonyms
- unnamed
- nameless
- unidentified
- unknown
- faceless
Antonyms / Opposites
- named
- identified
- known
- onymous
Related Words
Common Collocations
- anonymous donor
- remain anonymous
- anonymous source
- anonymous tip
- stay anonymous
Word Forms
anonymous (adj); anonymously (adv); anonymity (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B