Word
anonymity
Phoneticsanonymi·ty
US/ˌænəˈnɪmɪti/
UK/ˌænənˈɪmɪtˌi/
Definitions
01being unidentified
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the state of not being known by name or not being identified.
n. the quality or state of being anonymous; the condition of a person's identity being withheld or unknown to the public.
“The witness agreed to speak to the reporter only on the condition of anonymity.”
“The donor requested total anonymity, insisting that their name be omitted from all press releases and commemorative plaques.”
Usage
Often follows the preposition 'in' or is used as the object of 'request' or 'guarantee'.
Synonyms
02lack of distinct features
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. a feeling of being just one of many people, where nobody notices you or knows who you are.
n. the quality of being unremarkable or lacking individualising features, often in a social or urban context.
“He enjoyed the anonymity of living in a huge city where no one knew his past.”
“Modern suburban architecture is often criticised for its bland anonymity, which can lead to a sense of social alienation among residents.”
Usage
Uncountable in this sense.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Both spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a closed-door meeting.” “One UK-based secondhand bookseller, speaking on condition of anonymity, said some random orders could come from different buyers but be delivered to the same address.” Etymology
From Latin anonymus or its etymon Ancient Greek ἀνώνυμος (anṓnumos, “anonymous”) + -ity. Compare French anonymité.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/anonymity