Identify
/aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo recognize someone or something and know who or what they are.
/aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪ/
To recognize or establish the identity of someone or something.
The police asked the witness to identify the thief from a lineup of suspects.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing detective! Identifying something is like figuring out 'who' it is. Like, you identify your friend by their face, or a book by its title.
👶 For kids: To find out what something is or who someone is.
More Examples
I can identify the painting as a Picasso based on its style.
The doctor identified the symptoms as a common cold.
How It's Used
"The witness was able to identify the suspect in a lineup."
"Scientists use DNA testing to identify the species of an organism."
"Can you identify that bird by its song?"
To feel a strong connection with someone or something.
/aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪ/
To connect or associate oneself closely with someone or something.
Many young people identify with the values of environmentalism.
💡 Simply: It's like when you find someone or something that you really 'get'. You relate to their feelings or experiences – you identify with them! Think of a character in a book that feels just like you.
👶 For kids: To feel like you are the same as someone else, or that you understand them.
More Examples
The actor identified with the character's vulnerability.
She identifies with the underdog and always roots for them.
How It's Used
"She strongly identifies with the feminist movement."
"The patient identified with the protagonist in the story."
"I identify with the struggles of the working class."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Self-identify
To declare or describe one's own identity or affiliation.
"He self-identified as a member of the LGBTQ+ community."
Identify with
To feel a sense of connection or similarity with someone or something.
"I can really identify with the main character's struggles in this book."
From Middle French *identifier*, from Medieval Latin *identificare*, from Latin *idem* ('the same') and *facere* ('to make').
The word 'identify' has been used since the 17th century, initially to mean 'to make identical' or 'to equate'. Its meaning evolved to include recognition and association over time.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'identity'. To identify something means to know its identity.