identify

[aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪ]

identify Definition

• 1. to recognize or establish as being a particular person or thing
• 2. to associate oneself with or consider oneself to be (a particular person or group)

Using identify: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "identify" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  Can you identify the person in this photograph?

• Example

  The police were unable to identify the suspect.

• Example

  I identify as a feminist.

• Example

  He identifies with the working class.

identify Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for identify

• recognize
• distinguish
• ascertain
• diagnose
• determine

Antonyms for identify

• confuse
• misidentify

Phrases with identify

• identify with

  to feel that you are similar to someone or something and understand them or it

  Example

  Many teenagers identify with the characters in this book.

• identify theft

  the fraudulent acquisition and use of a person's private identifying information, usually for financial gain

  Example

  She was a victim of identity theft and had to cancel all her credit cards.

• self-identify

  to identify oneself as belonging to a particular category or group

  Example

  People should be free to self-identify as whatever gender they feel most comfortable with.

Origins of identify

from Late Latin 'identificare', from Latin 'idem' meaning 'same' and 'facere' meaning 'make'

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Summary: identify in Brief

To 'identify' [aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪ] is to recognize or establish someone or something as a particular person or thing. It can also mean to associate oneself with or consider oneself to be part of a particular group. Examples include 'Can you identify the person in this photograph?' and 'I identify as a feminist.' Phrases include 'identify with,' meaning to feel similar to someone or something, and 'identity theft,' meaning the fraudulent acquisition and use of a person's private identifying information.