anonymity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "anonymity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the state or quality of being anonymous or unknown. Example: In order to protect their privacy, many people choose to use a pseudonym and maintain anonymity online.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He spoke, as many prominent Western officials here do so often, on the condition of anonymity.

The New York Times

"With the family, the F.B.I. approached the suspect," the senior administration official said, speaking to reporters at the White House on the condition of anonymity because of the pending legal case.

The New York Times

It was supposed to give everyone a cloak of anonymity: "On the internet nobody knows you're a dog".

The Economist

That will allow an analysis of long-term correlations between genes (as well as lifestyles) and health, though in contrast to the PGP the participants' anonymity will be preserved".Retrofitting" existing data-collection projects is also yielding results.

The Economist

The laws against anonymity for big political contributors are clear and they exist for a clear reason: the public is entitled to know who may be buying access to those who rule the land.

The Economist

One of Britain's most liberal-minded imams did turn up to the conference, and after a lengthy plea to have his anonymity preserved, said that the Koran explicitly condemns hatred and killing, not homosexuality.

The Economist

Many feel that a mere donor has no meaningful connection with the child who results.Now that anonymity is no longer possible, there has been a huge decline in the number willing to donate.

The Economist

So more patients travel for treatment to countries where anonymity is still legal.

The Economist

He hoped for anonymity; the ministry, in a roundabout way, subsequently outed him to the press as the mole.

The Economist

Diplomats, talking on condition of anonymity, speak of underlying suspicions and anxiety in their dealings with China.

The Economist

But for that cause, technology is now a bigger headache than the tabloids.A message this week on Twitter, a microblogging service, purported to detail the scandals associated with a number of British celebrities several of whom are protected by sweeping anonymity orders.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing digital contexts, specify the type of "anonymity" (e.g., pseudonymity, complete anonymity) to clarify the level of privacy provided.

Common error

Don't use "anonymity" and "privacy" interchangeably. "Anonymity" refers to the state of being unidentifiable, while "privacy" is about controlling access to personal information; you can have privacy without anonymity, and vice versa.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "anonymity" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the state or quality of being anonymous. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it signifies the condition of being unknown or unidentifiable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anonymity" functions as a noun that describes the state of being unidentifiable or unknown. As Ludwig AI highlights, its use is grammatically correct and appropriate across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While synonyms like "namelessness" or "secrecy" exist, it's crucial to differentiate "anonymity" from "privacy". A key takeaway is to specify the type of "anonymity" when discussing digital environments to avoid ambiguity. Understanding these elements ensures clear and precise communication when addressing this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

namelessness

Focuses on the absence of a name being associated with someone or something.

state of being unknown

Emphasizes the condition of not being recognized or identified.

lack of identity

Highlights the absence of a defined or recognized persona.

unidentified status

Refers to the condition of not having one's identity established or revealed.

concealment of identity

Focuses on the act of hiding or keeping one's personal information secret.

secrecy

Highlights the practice of maintaining confidentiality and avoiding public disclosure.

confidentiality

Emphasizes the protection of personal data and sensitive information from unauthorized access.

private persona

Indicates the choice to keep one's personal life and affairs away from public attention.

incognito

Adverb describing the action of doing something so as to not be recognized.

untraceability

Highlights the impossibility of tracking or linking actions back to an individual.

FAQs

How is "anonymity" used in a sentence?

"Anonymity" is a noun. For example, "The website offers users complete anonymity."

What are some synonyms for "anonymity"?

Alternatives to "anonymity" include "namelessness", "secrecy", or "confidentiality", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "anonymity" in formal writing?

Yes, "anonymity" is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing privacy, security, or identity.

What is the difference between "anonymity" and "privacy"?

"Anonymity" refers to the state of being unidentifiable, while "privacy" is about controlling access to personal information. While related, they are not the same.