anonymity
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the state of not being known by name or not being identified.
the quality or state of being anonymous; the condition of a person's identity being withheld or unknown to the public.
Simple“The witness agreed to speak to the reporter only on the condition of anonymity.”
In context“The donor requested total anonymity, insisting that their name be omitted from all press releases and commemorative plaques.”
UsageOften follows the preposition 'in' or is used as the object of 'request' or 'guarantee'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
a feeling of being just one of many people, where nobody notices you or knows who you are.
the quality of being unremarkable or lacking individualising features, often in a social or urban context.
Simple“He enjoyed the anonymity of living in a huge city where no one knew his past.”
In context“Modern suburban architecture is often criticised for its bland anonymity, which can lead to a sense of social alienation among residents.”
UsageUncountable in this sense.
SynonymsfacelessnessimpersonalityAntonyms
“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.”
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.