anonymous
UK: əˈnɒnɪməs | US: əˈnɑːnɪməs
adj. not identified by name; of unknown or undisclosed origin
adj. lacking individuality, distinction, or recognizability
anonymous = an<without> + onym<name> + ous<adjective suffix>
- an (from Greek an-, meaning "without")
- onym (from Greek onoma, meaning "name")
- ous (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives)
Etymology Origin:
The word "anonymous" traces back to Greek anōnymos, combining an- ("without") and onoma ("name"). It entered English via Late Latin anonymus, retaining its core meaning of "nameless." The suffix -ous was added through Latin influence, standardizing it as an adjective. Historically, it described unnamed authors or sources, later expanding to denote anything lacking identifiable features.
The donation was made by an anonymous benefactor.
She published the poem under an anonymous pseudonym.
The survey responses were kept anonymous to ensure privacy.
The artist chose to remain anonymous despite the painting's fame.
Anonymous tips led the police to the suspect.