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Anniversary: meaning, definitions and examples

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anniversary

 

[ˌanɪˈvəːs(ə)ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

celebration

The anniversary is a special day that commemorates a past event or occasion, such as a wedding, the founding of an organization, or a significant milestone.

Synonyms

celebration, commemoration, observance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
anniversary

A specific date on which an event took place in a previous year, commonly used for personal or formal events like weddings or company founding dates.

  • Our wedding anniversary is next week
  • The company is celebrating its 10th anniversary
commemoration

An event or ceremony to remember and honor significant past events or people, typically with a more formal or serious tone.

  • The annual commemoration of the war heroes
  • A statue was unveiled in commemoration of the founder's contributions
celebration

A joyful or festive event to mark a special occasion, generally used for happy events involving multiple people.

  • We had a great celebration for her birthday
  • The city held a celebration to honor the local sports team
observance

Following traditional or standard practices to mark special occasions or events, often associated with religious or ceremonial activities.

  • The observance of Independence Day includes a parade
  • He participated in the observance of religious customs during the festival

Examples of usage

  • They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a romantic dinner.
  • The company marked its 50th anniversary with a grand party.
Context #2 | Noun

relationship

An anniversary is also used to refer to the yearly recurrence of the date of a past event, especially of a wedding or other significant relationship milestone.

Synonyms

celebration, commemoration, milestone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
anniversary

Used for marking the date when an event took place in a previous year, often related to personal or important historical events.

  • They celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with a special dinner.
  • Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the company's founding.
commemoration

Used for remembering and honoring a significant event or person, often with a formal or solemn tone.

  • The city held a commemoration for the soldiers who lost their lives in the war.
  • The commemoration service was attended by many dignitaries.
milestone

Used for highlighting significant points of progress or development in various contexts like personal achievements, business, or history.

  • Completing the marathon was a major milestone in his running career.
  • Reaching their 100th location was a milestone for the fast-food chain.
celebration

Used for any joyful gathering or event to mark a special occasion or accomplishment.

  • There was a grand celebration for her graduation from university.
  • The town held a celebration for the New Year's Eve.

Examples of usage

  • They are celebrating their first anniversary as a couple.
  • The company is commemorating its anniversary of partnership with the charity.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'anniversarius', meaning 'of a year' or 'returning yearly'.
  • It combines 'annus' (year) and 'versus' (to turn), signifying something that returns each year.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures celebrate marriage anniversaries with gifts, such as paper for the first year and diamond for the 60th.
  • Some societies have unique customs, like sending a postcard to the couple marking their special day.

Psychology

  • Celebrating anniversaries helps reinforce positive memories, strengthening relationships over time.
  • Rituals associated with anniversaries, such as reaffirming vows, foster connection and emotional bonding.

Historical Events

  • Anniversaries are often marked for significant historical events, like the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th.
  • Commemorating anniversaries of major events, such as WWII or civil rights milestones, serves to remind us of lessons learned.

Literature

  • Literary works often explore themes around anniversaries, highlighting reflections on time passing and personal growth.
  • Poets and authors may use anniversaries as metaphors for life's cycles and the importance of remembering the past.

Translations

Translations of the word "anniversary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aniversário

🇮🇳 वर्षगांठ

🇩🇪 Jahrestag

🇮🇩 ulang tahun

🇺🇦 річниця

🇵🇱 rocznica

🇯🇵 記念日 (kinenbi)

🇫🇷 anniversaire

🇪🇸 aniversario

🇹🇷 yıldönümü

🇰🇷 기념일 (ginyeomil)

🇸🇦 ذكرى سنوية

🇨🇿 výročí

🇸🇰 výročie

🇨🇳 周年纪念 (zhōunián jìniàn)

🇸🇮 obletnica

🇮🇸 afmæli

🇰🇿 жылдық мерейтой

🇬🇪 წლისთავი

🇦🇿 ildönümü

🇲🇽 aniversario

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,171 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.