B2noun2K

Anniversary

UK /["/ˌænɪˈvɜːsəri/"]/US /["/ˌænɪˈvɜːrsəri/"]/

Definition

a date that is an exact number of years after the date of an important or special event

In simple words: A special day that celebrates a past event, often a wedding or relationship.

Examples

  • We celebrated our wedding anniversary with a romantic dinner.
  • Their anniversary party was filled with laughter and joy.
  • Every year on our anniversary, we revisit the place where we first met.
  • The company marked its 50th anniversary with a grand event.

Usage notes

Use 'anniversary' to refer to yearly celebrations of significant events, especially weddings. It's neutral so can be used in various contexts, while being careful not to confuse it with 'birthday' which celebrates a person's birth.

Grammar pattern

anniversary + of + event

Memory hint

Think of 'annual' and 'mystery' — it's a yearly event to celebrate!

Collocations

  • first
  • second
  • etc.
  • celebrate
  • commemorate
  • honour/​honor
  • be
  • fall
  • approach
  • celebration
  • party
  • edition
  • anniversary of
  • on an/​the anniversary

Synonyms

  • commemoration
  • celebration
  • observance
  • remembrance

Antonyms

  • forgetfulness
  • neglect

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'environment' which sounds similar.
  • Used incorrectly as a verb, 'anniversarize' does not exist.
  • Mixing up dates when discussing anniversaries.