Anzac Day
Anzac Day
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling:
/ˈænzæk deɪ/
Syllable Breakdown:
An-: /æn/ (as in "an" in "fan")
-zac: /zæk/ (as in "zac" in "sack")
Day: /deɪ/ (as in "day" in "play")
Word Form Variations
"Anzac Day" is primarily a proper noun and therefore has limited variations.
Singular: Anzac Day
Plural: Anzac Days (less common, usually referring to multiple instances of the observation over different years, rather than multiple "Anzac Days" within a single year).
Possessive: Anzac Day's (e.g., "Anzac Day's significance")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, observed annually on April 25th, commemorating the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers who landed at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I, and honoring all those who have served and died in military operations for their countries.
Synonyms: Remembrance Day (in a broader sense, though Anzac Day is specific), Veterans' Day (in a broader sense), Gallipoli Day (historical context).
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms as it refers to a specific commemorative day. One could consider "day of forgetfulness" or "day of disregard" as conceptual antonyms if the purpose of the day were negated.)
Definition 2: The set of customs, ceremonies, and traditions associated with the annual observance on April 25th, including dawn services, commemorative marches, and public tributes to military personnel.
Synonyms: Commemoration, observance, memorial service, tribute.
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a set of customs. One might consider "disregard of tradition" or "abandonment of remembrance" as conceptual antonyms.)
Examples of Use
Newspaper: "Thousands gathered at the Australian War Memorial for the dawn service, a solemn start to Anzac Day commemorations across the nation." ( The Sydney Morning Herald, April 2024)
Online Publication: "The article delves into the historical significance of Anzac Day and its evolving meaning for younger generations." (ABC News Online, April 2023)
Book: "In her memoir, the author recounts her grandfather's vivid stories of the Gallipoli campaign, which profoundly shaped her understanding of Anzac Day." (From a historical account of World War I, published 2018)
Entertainment Medium (Film/Documentary Title): A documentary title might be "Remembering Gallipoli: A Century of Anzac Day." (Hypothetical, as actual film titles are extensive, but reflective of common usage).
Entertainment Medium (Song Lyrics): "On Anzac Day, we stand as one, for battles fought and victories won." (From a folk song commemorating military service, released 2010s).
General Public Discourse (Social Media Post): "Lest we forget. Thinking of all those who served on this Anzac Day." (Tweet from a public figure, April 2025)
General Public Discourse (News Report/Interview): "The Prime Minister delivered a powerful speech this morning, emphasizing the unity and resilience that Anzac Day represents for Australians." (Television news report, April 2025)
10 Famous Quotes Using Anzac Day
"On Anzac Day, we recall not just the heroism of our soldiers, but the shared values that bind our nations." (Malcolm Turnbull, April 2016)
"Every Anzac Day reminds us of the profound sacrifice made for our freedom and peace." (Jacinda Ardern, April 2019)
"The spirit of Anzac Day lives on, embodied in the courage and camaraderie of our service personnel." (Scott Morrison, April 2020)
"We gather on Anzac Day to honour those who served, those who suffered, and those who gave their lives." (Bill English, April 2017)
"For many, Anzac Day is a deeply personal time of reflection, connecting us to generations past." (Julia Gillard, April 2012)
"This Anzac Day, we remember the enduring legacy of the Gallipoli campaign and all who have served since." (Chris Hipkins, April 2023)
"What the Anzac legend did do, by the bravery and sacrifice of our troops, was reinforce our own cultural notions of independence, mateship, and ingenuity. Of resilience and courage in adversity. Since then, 25 April has been known as Anzac Day." (Paul Keating, undated quote, referenced in various sources like BrainyQuote and Anzac Portal)
"On Anzac Day in 2010, then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, quoted a British Officer to illustrate the nature of the Anzacs and how these were 'values for a nation.'" (Sustaining Community, April 2015)
"And so now every April, I sit on me porch, and I watch the parades pass before me... But the band plays Waltzing Matilda, and the old men still answer the call, But as year follows year, more old men disappear. Someday no one will march there at all. This refers to the tradition of marching on Anzac Day." (Eric Bogle, "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda," released 1970s; quote refers to the annual observation)
"The annual observance of Anzac Day is a time for all Australians and New Zealanders to reflect on the impact of war and the importance of peace." (Original Quote)
Etymology
The word "Anzac" is actually an acronym, which means it's a word formed from the first letters of other words.
It stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
The first known use of "ANZAC" was in 1915. It was originally an abbreviation or code name used by the military. When Australian and New Zealand soldiers were grouped together during World War I, especially for the Gallipoli campaign, this term was created to refer to them as a combined force.
So, the original meaning was simply the name of that specific military corps made up of soldiers from Australia and New Zealand. Over time, particularly after the heavy losses and the perceived bravery of these soldiers at Gallipoli, the term "Anzac" itself took on a much broader and deeper meaning, becoming a symbol of national identity, courage, and sacrifice for both countries.
When "Day" was added to form "Anzac Day," it specifically designated April 25th as the annual commemoration of the Gallipoli landings and, by extension, a day to honor all Australian and New Zealand service personnel who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Anzac Day
On Anzac Day: Refers to the specific date of observance.
Example: "Many attend a dawn service on Anzac Day."
The Anzac Day spirit: Refers to the values of courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie associated with the day.
Example: "Even in challenging times, the Anzac Day spirit brings communities together."
Anzac Day commemorations: Refers to the various events and ceremonies held to remember.
Example: "Anzac Day commemorations are held across the country."
Anzac Day long weekend: In some regions, if April 25th falls on a particular day, it can create a long weekend.
Example: "We're planning a quiet time over the Anzac Day long weekend."
Lest We Forget on Anzac Day: A common phrase used in conjunction with the day, emphasizing remembrance.
Example: "Lest We Forget on Anzac Day, we honor their sacrifice."
The true meaning of Anzac Day: Refers to the deeper historical and emotional significance of the day.
Example: "It's important to teach younger generations the true meaning of Anzac Day."
Anzac Day poppy: Refers to the use of poppies as a symbol of remembrance, often worn or displayed on this day.
Example: "She pinned an Anzac Day poppy to her lapel."
Anzac Day march: Refers to the parade of veterans and service personnel.
Example: "Thousands turned out to watch the Anzac Day march."
Anzac Day reflection: Refers to a period of thought and contemplation about the day's significance.
Example: "The quiet moments of Anzac Day reflection are important to me."
Marking Anzac Day: Refers to the act of observing or celebrating the day.
Example: "Towns big and small are marking Anzac Day with their own services."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of Anzac Day from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
