anchor
noun (countable)
UK/ˈæŋ.kər/US/ˈæŋ.kər/
a person who presents and coordinates a television or radio program, such as a news anchor.
Example Sentences
The news anchor delivered the evening headlines with clarity and confidence.
She was promoted to anchor after years of hard work as a reporter.
The anchor introduced the guest speaker during the live broadcast.
As a seasoned anchor, he knows how to engage the audience effectively.
The morning anchor starts the day with weather updates and news summaries.
She practiced her delivery to become a more effective anchor on the television network.
The anchor fielded questions from viewers during the interactive segment.
Behind every successful anchor is a dedicated production team ensuring smooth broadcasts.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/ˈæŋ.kər/US/ˈæŋ.kər/
to secure a vessel with an anchor; to provide stability or support to something.
Example Sentences
They anchored the boat before heading into the marina.
The CEO anchored the company's values in every decision they made.
During the storm, the ship anchored firmly to withstand the high waves.
She anchored the trailer to the hitch to ensure it wouldn't sway during transport.
The project was anchored by a strong leadership team committed to its success.
He anchored his arguments with solid evidence and logical reasoning.
The community center was anchored by its dedicated volunteers who organized various events.
To prevent drifting, the vessel must anchor securely in the designated area.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
An object or concept offering stability, support, or security.An “anchor” can function literally or metaphorically. In its literal sense, it’s a heavy device dropped from a ship or boat to keep it from drifting with wind or current. Sailors rely on an anchor’s weight and design to grip the seabed, stabilizing the vessel.Beyond maritime usage, we frequently use “anchor” figuratively. It represents anything that provides stability or grounding in the face of uncertainty or flux. For instance, in a personal context, a person might say, “My family is my anchor,” suggesting they offer emotional support or a reliable point of reference during challenging times. In broadcasting, “news anchor” refers to the primary host who presents stories, guiding viewers through the latest developments.In everyday conversation, you might say, “My yoga practice serves as my anchor when life gets chaotic,” indicating a steadying influence. Whether referring to a physical tool that secures a boat or a more symbolic idea that reassures and sustains, the essence of “anchor” remains one of steadfastness and security. It ensures that you or your endeavors don’t drift off course, preserving a sense of calm or coherence amidst life’s unpredictable currents.
Alternatives
To convey a similar meaning to “anchor,” you could use terms like “mainstay,” “foundation,” or “cornerstone” in metaphorical contexts. These synonyms highlight something essential that provides reliable support. For example, “foundation” focuses on the base upon which something stands, while “cornerstone” underscores a key piece that holds a structure or concept together. In practical, object-oriented contexts—especially maritime—you might use “mooring,” which signifies the system that holds a boat in place. “Security” or “stabilizer” can also underscore the sense of preventing unwanted movement. In media or communication settings, “host” or “presenter” replaces “anchor” specifically for someone leading a broadcast. Ultimately, pick the term that resonates with the tone and nuance of your discussion—whether literal, figurative, or professional.
Writing
When writing about an “anchor,” clarity and context guide your reader’s understanding of whether you mean the physical device for boats or a metaphorical concept of stability. In a more formal or descriptive setting—such as technical or nautical documentation—use precise language: “The anchor’s flukes dig into the seabed, preventing the vessel from drifting.” If you’re writing about the symbolic role of an anchor, you might say, “In times of crisis, her faith acted as an anchor, keeping her steady despite external turmoil.”Including details about how or why the anchor offers stability strengthens your piece. For instance, “The news anchor guided viewers through election results, offering perspective and expertise,” spotlights the anchor’s role in broadcasting. Even in creative writing, describing how an emotional anchor helps a character can lend depth: “Each morning phone call to his mentor became an anchor, reminding him of his goals and worth.” In any context, weaving in examples or imagery clarifies your use of “anchor,” solidifying its meaning for your audience.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “anchor” pops up in everyday references. You might hear someone say, “I need an anchor while I figure out my next career step,” reflecting a desire for grounding or direction. Friends might talk about an activity that serves as their anchor, such as a hobby, workout routine, or meditation practice—something that provides mental equilibrium.In simpler discussions, “anchor” might also appear in phrases like, “I felt unanchored after moving to a new city,” implying a sense of drifting or lack of stability. These snippets reinforce how “anchor” can be employed in a broader sense, beyond maritime contexts, to describe the anchor’s role of securing and steadying one’s life when confronted with upheavals or choices. People often understand the metaphor instantly, recognizing that everyone occasionally seeks something reliable to hold onto amid life’s changes.
Etymology
The word “anchor” traces back through Old English “ancor” and Old French “ancre,” deriving from the Latin “anchora,” itself from the ancient Greek “ankura.” Early anchors were crafted from stone or wood weighted with lead, evolving over centuries to the metal designs recognized today. For seafaring civilizations, an anchor held symbolic weight as much as a practical one, representing safety in harbor and protection from storms.Over time, “anchor” grew beyond its maritime origins. In Christian symbolism, the anchor signified faith and steadfast hope. Later, with the rise of modern media, “anchor” took on new meaning in journalism. “Anchor” thus exemplifies a word whose core function—preventing aimless drifting—has adapted into multiple figurative senses. Whether invoked in religious, psychological, or professional spheres, “anchor” continues to carry its foundational notion of stability, security, and grounding through the ages.
