Word
anonymous
Meanings
not named or identified; with the person’s identity unknown or kept secret
without distinctive features; ordinary and hard to recognize as unique
Definition
Not named or identified, or done by someone whose identity is kept secret.
If someone or something is anonymous, their name is not known or is intentionally hidden. People choose to be anonymous to protect privacy or to speak freely without being identified. The word can describe a person, a message, a donor, or an online account.
Examples
- The journalist agreed to keep the source anonymous, even under heavy pressure from the editor.
- I posted the review anonymous because I didn’t want my colleagues to connect it to me.
- She received an anonymous email that contained precise details only an insider would know.
- They made an anonymous donation to the community library and refused any public recognition.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse anonymous with unanimous; anonymous means “unknown/unnamed,” while unanimous means “in complete agreement.”
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.