Identical
/aɪˈdɛntɪkəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsExactly the same; alike in every way.
/aɪˈdɛntɪkəl/
Being the same or very similar
The two houses are identical, right down to the paint color.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have two toys that look exactly alike, not just a little bit similar, but 100% the same. That's identical! Like if you and your friend both got the exact same phone, color, model, everything—those phones are identical!
👶 For kids: The same. Like two toys that look exactly alike!
More Examples
The fingerprints found at the scene were identical to the suspect's.
They ordered identical meals at the restaurant.
How It's Used
"The twins are almost identical."
"Identical equations produce the same results."
"They had identical smartphones."
Relating to or involving identity.
/aɪˈdɛntɪkəl/
Relating to the identity of something or someone.
The suspect claimed it was an identical twin who had committed the crime.
💡 Simply: When something's identical, it's like it's the same 'identity.' Imagine if you had a passport, and then you have the same passport. The two passports are identical because they have the same information about you.
👶 For kids: Something that's exactly the same person, place, or thing.
More Examples
In law, identical evidence helps build a strong case.
The program verified identical records in two different databases.
How It's Used
"In logic, identical statements are self-evident."
"The identical DNA sample was used as evidence."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
identical twins
Two offspring developed from a single fertilized ovum, who have similar appearance.
"My friend and her identical twin sister look exactly alike."
From Late Latin *identicus*, from Latin *idem* ("the same") + *-ticus* (suffix forming adjectives).
The word 'identical' has been used since the 17th century to describe things that are precisely the same.
Memory tip
Imagine two IDENTICAL twins – they're the same!
Word Origin
"the same"