Identity
/aɪˈdɛntɪti/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe qualities, beliefs, personality, looks and/or expressions that make a person or group different from others.
/aɪˈdɛntɪti/
The fact of being who or what a person or thing is.
She struggled with her sense of identity after moving to a new country.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're introducing yourself. Your identity is everything that makes you *you* - your name, your interests, and what makes you different from your friends. It's what makes you unique! Like your favorite color or what makes you laugh.
👶 For kids: It means who you are! Like, your name, if you like playing sports or drawing, and what you look like.
More Examples
Finding your identity is an important part of growing up.
The company used biometrics to verify the identity of their employees.
How It's Used
"The study explored the development of personal identity in adolescence."
"Cultural identity plays a significant role in group dynamics."
"User identity is verified through password protection."
A condition or state in which one thing is the same as another. The condition of having same nature as someone or something else.
/aɪˈdɛntɪti/
A close similarity or affinity.
The mathematician proved an identity related to prime numbers.
💡 Simply: When two things are exactly the same, like a twin or identical items. They have identical identities. This is often used when talking about math and formulas or in computer science when dealing with usernames.
👶 For kids: When two things are exactly alike, like two of the same toys!
More Examples
The system requires strong password for identity verification.
There is an exact identity between the two solutions.
How It's Used
"In mathematics, an identity is an equation that is always true."
"User identity is the name used to login to a system"
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Identity crisis
A period of uncertainty and confusion about one's sense of self.
"Teenagers often experience identity crises as they explore who they are."
False identity
An identity used to hide one's true identity and usually used for deceptive means.
"The spy assumed a false identity to infiltrate the enemy's camp."
From Late Latin *identitas*, from *idem* (same). The concept evolved through philosophical and theological discussions before becoming prominent in social and psychological contexts.
The term gained prominence in the late 20th century within social sciences and psychology to explore issues of self-perception and group affiliation. Its usage has expanded through media and common speech.
Memory tip
Think of your ID card - it shows who you are.
Word Origin
"same"