What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
birthday
Example
Happy birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day. [birthday: noun]
Example
She blew out the candles on her birthday cake. [birthday: adjective]
anniversary
Example
Today is our wedding anniversary. We've been married for five years. [anniversary: noun]
Example
They celebrated the anniversary of their company's founding with a big party. [anniversary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Birthday is more commonly used than anniversary in everyday language. Birthdays are widely celebrated and acknowledged, while anniversaries are more specific to certain events or milestones.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between birthday and anniversary?
Both birthday and anniversary can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, anniversary may be more commonly used in formal settings when referring to significant events or milestones.
