different between anonymity vs unknown

English

Etymology

anonym +? -ity, the root from French anonyme and ultimately from Ancient Greek ???????? (an?numos).

Pronunciation

• (General American, Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /æn??n?m?ti/

Noun

anonymity (countable and uncountable, plural anonymities)

1. (uncountable) The quality or state of being anonymous; anonymousness. [from 19th c.]
   • 1976, Joni Mitchell, "Song for Sharon":

     Now there are twenty-nine skaters on Wollman Rink

     Circling in singles and in pairs

     In this vigorous anonymity
2. (countable) That which is anonymous.

Related terms

Translations

References

• James A. H. Murray [et al.], editors (1884–1928) , “Anonymity”, in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (Oxford English Dictionary), volume I (A–B), London: Clarendon Press, OCLC 15566697, page 347, column 3.
• anonymity in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.

English

Etymology

From un- +? known, past participle of know. Compare Old English ungecnawen.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?n?n??n/
• (US) enPR: ?n-n?n?, IPA^(key): /?n?no?n/

Adjective

unknown (comparative more unknown, superlative most unknown)

1. (sometimes postpositive) Not known; unidentified; not well known.

   Synonyms: anonymous, unfamiliar, uncharted, undiscovered, unexplored, unidentified, unnamed, unrecognized, unrevealed, unascertained, obscure, unsung

   Antonyms: well-known, famous, known

Derived terms

• unknown quantity

Translations

Noun

unknown (plural unknowns)

1. (algebra) A variable (usually x, y or z) whose value is to be found.
2. Any thing, place, or situation about which nothing is known; an unknown fact or piece of information.
3. A person of no identity; a nonentity
   • 1965, Bob Dylan, "Like a Rolling Stone"

     How does it feel

     To be on your own

     With no direction home

     Like a complete unknown

     Like a rolling stone?

Translations

Verb

unknown

1. past participle of unknow