Words / B2

uh-NON-im-uh-s/əˈnɒnɪməs/

Anonymous means the name is not known or not given: an anonymous donor, an anonymous complaint. Unnamed is a close news synonym; unknown is broader. Anonymity is the noun; anonymously is the adverb. In speech, they would not give a name is enough. Do not use anonymous for a person you simply have not met yet (that is a stranger).

Meaning

With a name that is not known or not given.

Examples

• “An anonymous donor paid for the books.”
• “The feedback was anonymous, so tutors could not reply in person.”
• “An anonymous caller reported the broken lift.”

Good to know

an anonymous donor / letter. Noun: anonymity. Everyday: unnamed / no name given.

Near in meaning

unnamed

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