anonym

American  

[an-uh-nim] / ˈæn ə nɪm /

noun

1. an assumed or false name.

2. an anonymous person or publication.

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anonym British  

/ ˈænənɪm /

noun

1. a less common word for pseudonym

2. an anonymous person or publication

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Usage

What is an anonym? An anonym is a false or fictitious name, especially one used by a person so they can remain anonymous.The word anonym is rarely used. A much more common synonym of anonym is pseudonym. (That’s a lot of -nyms—more about that in the next section.)Anonyms can be used for a number of reasons. In legal proceedings, the anonyms John Doe, Jane Doe, Richard Roe, and Jane Roe are used in cases when a person’s name is unknown or is being kept anonymous. They are also sometimes used in medicine for a patient whose name is not known.There are many reasons an author may choose to use an anonym instead of their own name, such as to avoid controversy or to create a persona. When an author uses an anonym, it is more often called a pen name, a nom de plume, or a pseudonym.The word anonym can also refer to an anonymous person or an anonymous publication.Example: A lot of people use anonyms when posting controversial opinions online.

Etymology

Origin of anonym

1805–15; < French anonyme < Greek anṓnymos anonymous

Example Sentences

Thus buried under an anonym, and gravitating at all points toward mediocrity, it is odd that so much interest should centre in his life and works as we actually find to exist.

From Project Gutenberg

The anonym had, like Scott, shirked, and had maintained his anonymity.

From Project Gutenberg

I have not yet written the name of the man I was seeking: contrasts of time and place made it so very remarkable, that I venture to break the rule of anonyms.

From Project Gutenberg

Although to buffet an anonym is to beat the air, still the very effort does good.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• assumed name
• moniker
• pseudonym
• stage name