anniversary
anniversary
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling:
/ˌænɪˈvɜːrsəri/ (General American) or /ˌænɪˈvɜːsəri/ (Received Pronunciation)
an - /ˌæn/ (as in "and," but unstressed, secondary stress)
i - /ɪ/ (as in "kit")
ver - /ˈvɜːr/ (as in "verse" with 'r' sound - General American) or /ˈvɜː/ (as in "verse" without 'r' sound - Received Pronunciation, primary stress)
sa - /sə/ (schwa, unstressed)
ry - /ri/ (as in "rye")
Word Form Variations
Anniversary" primarily functions as a noun.
Noun:
Singular: anniversary
Plural: anniversaries
Adjective: (attributive use)
anniversary (e.g., "anniversary celebration," "anniversary gift")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
The yearly recurrence of a date marking a past event or celebration, especially a wedding or the founding of an institution.
Synonyms: commemoration, remembrance, jubilee (for specific milestones), centennial, bicentennial
Antonyms: (None directly applicable as it describes a recurring date)
A celebration or event held on the date of such a yearly recurrence.
Synonyms: celebration, commemoration, observance, ceremony, special day, milestone
Antonyms: (None directly applicable as it's a type of event)
Examples of Use
Books:
"The tenth anniversary of their clandestine meeting passed unremarked, a silent testament to the secrets they both kept." (Fictitious example, to illustrate a common literary use for character development/plot.)
Newspapers:
"The city will host a series of commemorative events next month to mark the 50th anniversary of its founding." (The Standard)
Online Publications:
"Google Doodles frequently celebrate historical figures and significant events, often marking their birth or death anniversaries." (Google Doodles website)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"Happy anniversary, my love! One year down, forever to go." (Dialogue in a romantic film, The Notebook, 2004)
"This week, we're celebrating our podcast's fifth anniversary with a special extended episode and listener Q&A." (Podcast announcement on Spotify)
"The game developers released a special update to celebrate the game's 10th anniversary, including new maps and characters." (Gaming news segment on YouTube, May 2025)
General Public Discourse:
"We're planning a big party for our parents' 25th wedding anniversary."
"Today marks the anniversary of my first day at this job."
"Do you remember what you did for your last anniversary?"
"The community held a silent vigil on the anniversary of the tragic event."
10 Quotes Using Anniversary
"Happy anniversary, my love! One year down, forever to go." (Common romantic greeting, widely used in film and general discourse)
"Today marks the solemn anniversary of a profound loss for our nation." (Common phrasing used by public figures on days of remembrance, e.g., after 9/11)
"The company celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, a testament to resilience and innovation." (Common phrasing in corporate news releases or publications)
"A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity." (Paul Sweeney)
"Every anniversary is a reminder of the day we chose each other, over and over again." (Common sentiment in relationship advice or romantic messages)
"The city is preparing for a grand celebration to mark the bicentennial anniversary of its founding." (Common phrase in civic or historical news reporting)
"I hope this anniversary finds you well and your love continues to grow." (Common greeting card message)
"This anniversary of the ceasefire is a moment to reflect on the progress towards lasting peace." (Common phrase in diplomatic or political discourse)
"The album's 20th anniversary reissue includes rare bonus tracks and never-before-seen footage." (Common phrasing in music industry announcements)
"An anniversary is a time to look back at the past with love and forward to the future with hope." (Widely used inspirational quote)
Etymology
The word "anniversary" is all about things happening again every year, and its history clearly shows this idea of returning.
It comes from the Latin word "anniversārius." This Latin term was an adjective meaning "returning yearly" or "yearly recurring." It was formed from two parts:
"annus": meaning "year" (which also gives us words like "annual" and "annuity").
"versus": the past participle of "vertere," meaning "to turn" or "to return."
So, "anniversārius" literally meant "turning of the year" or "that which turns yearly."
The word "anniversary" came into English from Old French ("anniversaire") in the late 13th or early 14th century (around the 1200s to 1300s).
The first known use and meaning of "anniversary" in English was consistent with its Latin roots: a yearly recurrence of a date marking a past event. Initially, it was often used in a religious context, referring to the yearly commemoration of a saint's death. Over time, it broadened to include any significant yearly recurrence, especially for marriages or the founding of institutions.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Anniversary
Wedding anniversary (the yearly celebration of a marriage)
Work anniversary (the yearly celebration of one's start date at a job)
Happy anniversary! (a common greeting for a couple or organization on their anniversary)
Diamond anniversary (a 60th-year anniversary, especially a wedding)
Golden anniversary (a 50th-year anniversary)
Silver anniversary (a 25th-year anniversary)
Mark the anniversary (to observe or commemorate a significant yearly date)
Commemorate the anniversary (similar to "mark," often for more solemn events)
On the anniversary of (referring to the specific date of a past event)
A milestone anniversary (a particularly significant yearly recurrence, like 10th, 25th, 50th)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of anniversary from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
