anonymity
The state or condition of being anonymous, where a person's identity is not known or is deliberately withheld from public knowledge. It is often used in contexts involving privacy, security, or the protection of a source's identity.
Examples
3 of 5He enjoyed the anonymity of living in a crowded metropolis where no one recognized him.
He appreciated the state of being unknown in a large city.
The witness was granted total anonymity by the court to protect them from potential repercussions.
The court ensured the witness's identity remained hidden for their safety.
The internet offers a sense of anonymity that can sometimes bring out the worst in people.
Online platforms allow people to act without revealing who they are.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Focus on the root 'onym' which means 'name' (like synonym or antonym). 'An-' means 'without'. So, 'anonymity' is the state of being 'without a name'.
Quick Quiz
The journalist promised the whistleblower complete _______ to ensure their safety.
Correct!
The correct answer is: anonymity
Examples
He enjoyed the anonymity of living in a crowded metropolis where no one recognized him.
everydayHe appreciated the state of being unknown in a large city.
The witness was granted total anonymity by the court to protect them from potential repercussions.
formalThe court ensured the witness's identity remained hidden for their safety.
The internet offers a sense of anonymity that can sometimes bring out the worst in people.
informalOnline platforms allow people to act without revealing who they are.
To ensure unbiased results, the researchers maintained the anonymity of all participants throughout the clinical trial.
academicResearchers kept participant names secret to prevent bias in the study.
Our client demands absolute anonymity during the negotiation phase to avoid market speculation.
businessThe client requires their identity to stay secret during the deal.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
under the cloak of anonymity
doing something while keeping one's identity hidden
a veil of anonymity
a metaphorical cover that prevents people from being identified
the shield of anonymity
the protection provided by not being known
Often Confused With
Unanimity refers to total agreement among a group, whereas anonymity refers to the state of being unknown.
Usage Notes
Anonymity is an uncountable noun. It is frequently used with verbs like 'maintain', 'request', 'guarantee', and 'provide'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the noun 'anonymity' with the adjective 'anonymous'. For example, saying 'He requested to be anonymity' instead of 'He requested anonymity.'
Memory Tip
Focus on the root 'onym' which means 'name' (like synonym or antonym). 'An-' means 'without'. So, 'anonymity' is the state of being 'without a name'.
Word Origin
From the Greek 'anonymos', meaning 'without a name' (an- 'without' + onyma 'name').
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In modern digital culture, anonymity is a highly debated topic regarding cyber-bullying versus the right to free speech and privacy.
Quick Quiz
The journalist promised the whistleblower complete _______ to ensure their safety.
Correct!
The correct answer is: anonymity
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free