B2 adjective Neutral

anonymous

/əˈnɒnɪməs/

Describes a person not identified by name, or a creative work where the author's identity is withheld or unknown. It is frequently used in contexts involving privacy, security, or when someone wishes to avoid public recognition.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I received an anonymous letter in the mail today with no return address.

I received an anonymous letter in the mail today with no return address.

2

The whistle-blower provided an anonymous tip regarding the company's illegal activities.

The whistle-blower provided an anonymous tip regarding the company's illegal activities.

3

Someone left a coffee on my desk, but they wanted to stay anonymous.

Someone left a coffee on my desk, but they wanted to stay anonymous.

Word Family

Noun
anonymity
Verb
anonymize
Adverb
anonymously
Adjective
anonymous
Related
anonymization
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'A-Non-Name': 'A' (without) + 'Non' (no) + 'Name' (nym). It literally means having no name.

Quick Quiz

The witness provided an ____ tip to the police to help solve the case without revealing their identity.

Correct!

The correct answer is: anonymous

Examples

1

I received an anonymous letter in the mail today with no return address.

everyday

I received an anonymous letter in the mail today with no return address.

2

The whistle-blower provided an anonymous tip regarding the company's illegal activities.

formal

The whistle-blower provided an anonymous tip regarding the company's illegal activities.

3

Someone left a coffee on my desk, but they wanted to stay anonymous.

informal

Someone left a coffee on my desk, but they wanted to stay anonymous.

4

Participants in the study completed an anonymous questionnaire to ensure their privacy was protected.

academic

Participants in the study completed an anonymous questionnaire to ensure their privacy was protected.

5

An anonymous donor contributed one million dollars to the university's scholarship fund.

business

An anonymous donor contributed one million dollars to the university's scholarship fund.

Word Family

Noun
anonymity
Verb
anonymize
Adverb
anonymously
Adjective
anonymous
Related
anonymization

Common Collocations

anonymous source anonymous source
remain anonymous remain anonymous
anonymous donation anonymous donation
anonymous tip anonymous tip
strictly anonymous strictly anonymous

Common Phrases

anonymous tip-off

anonymous tip-off

anonymous feedback

anonymous feedback

choose to remain anonymous

choose to remain anonymous

Often Confused With

anonymous vs unanimous

Unanimous means everyone is in complete agreement, whereas anonymous means the identity is unknown.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word when you want to highlight that a person's name is not being shared, whether by choice or because it is unknown. It is common in journalism, law, and online interactions.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the pronunciation and spelling with 'unanimous'. Remember that 'an-on' refers to 'no name'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'A-Non-Name': 'A' (without) + 'Non' (no) + 'Name' (nym). It literally means having no name.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek 'anonymos', combining 'an-' (without) and 'onyma' (name).

Grammar Patterns

Used before a noun (an anonymous caller) Used after a linking verb (He wished to remain anonymous)
🌍

Cultural Context

In internet culture, 'Anonymous' is also the name of a well-known decentralized international activist and hacktivist collective.

Quick Quiz

The witness provided an ____ tip to the police to help solve the case without revealing their identity.

Correct!

The correct answer is: anonymous

Related Words

complement

A2

A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else. In grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that follows a verb and provides more information about the subject or object.

compound

A2

Describes something that is made of two or more separate parts or elements joined together. It is often used to talk about words, sentences, or chemical substances that have multiple components.

conceive

A2

To form an idea, plan, or concept in the mind. It is also the medical term used to describe when a woman becomes pregnant.

confer

A2

To discuss something with other people in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It can also mean to officially give an honor, title, or degree to someone.

conform

A2

To behave according to rules, standards, or what is expected by a group of people. It means to fit in or act in a way that matches others.

consecutive

A2

Following one after another in a continuous series without any breaks. It describes things that happen in a logical order, like numbers (1, 2, 3) or days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).

consistency

A2

Consistency is the quality of always acting or behaving in the same way. it also describes how thick or smooth a liquid or substance is.

disclude

B1

Describing a state where someone or something is left out, omitted, or not allowed to participate in a group or activity. It refers to the condition of being kept apart from a whole or a set.

antiformous

B1

Describes a shape or structure that is curved or folded upwards like an arch. It is most often used in geology and geometry to describe a convex surface.

interspect

B1

Describing a person who is thoughtful and focused on their own internal thoughts and feelings. It refers to the act of looking inward to examine one's own emotions and motives rather than focusing on external things.

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