The correct spelling of the word "anniversary" is /ˌæn.ɪˈvɜː.sər.i/. It is a commemoration of a significant event that occurs each year. The word is formed by the combination of the prefix "anni-" which means "year" and the suffix "-versary" which means "a turning." The pronunciation of the word is broken down into five syllables; the stress falls on the third syllable (/vɜː/). It is important to spell the word correctly to avoid confusion and ensure accurate communication.
Anniversary is a noun that refers to a specific date on which an event or occurrence took place, marking the passage of a year or years since that event. It is derived from the Latin word "anniversarius," which means "returning yearly" or "annual." An anniversary holds significance as it serves as a reminder of a notable event, such as a wedding, engagement, birth, or the founding of an institution.
Typically celebrated on an annual basis, an anniversary often carries emotional, sentimental, or symbolic value. It represents a milestone, commemorating the duration of a specific relationship, accomplishment, or occasion. It prompts individuals to look back on and reflect upon the past year(s), allowing them to express gratitude, appreciation, or nostalgia.
Anniversaries are frequently celebrated through various means, which vary depending on the nature of the event and cultural traditions. Commonly observed practices include exchanging gifts, organizing parties or gatherings, going out for a special meal, or sending cards or flowers to mark the occasion. Some anniversaries hold greater societal or cultural significance, such as the anniversary of a historical event or a national holiday.
Ultimately, anniversaries preserve and honor the memory of significant events or milestones in our lives, acting as temporal markers that foster reflection, celebration, and the recognition of personal or collective achievements.
• The day on which an event is annually celebrated; the yearly return of any event.
• At a stated time; returning with the year.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "anniversary" originated from the Latin term "anniversarius", which is a combination of two words: "annus" meaning "year" and "versus" meaning "to turn". Therefore, the literal meaning of "anniversary" is "turning of a year". It stems from the idea of marking the completion of each year and celebrating a particular event or occasion that occurred on the same day in a previous year.