26984 words

identity

8 definitions • 16 examples
1
a person's name and other facts about who they are:

Examples:

The man's identity was being kept secret while he was helping police with their enquiries.
I cannot reveal the identity of my source.
The informant was given a new identity (= a different name and new official documents) for protection.
mistaken identity The newspaper photo apparently showed him in Rome but it was a case of mistaken identity (= it was the wrong person).
2
the fact of being, or feeling that you are, a particular type of person, organization, etc.; the qualities that make a person, organization, etc. different from others:

Examples:

a loss of identity In prison people often suffer from a loss of identity.
a sense of identity I think my job gives me a sense of identity.
It was important for me to carve out an identity separate from my husband's.
3
the fact of being or feeling the same:

Examples:

identity between Here, there is a complete identity between his theology and his practice.
identity with We begin with the image of a boy gazing into a pool and feeling an identity with what he sees.
4
showing or proving who someone is:

Examples:

You will need to show identity documents.
Anyone can create an account with no identity verification.
5
who a person is, or the qualities of a person or group that make them different from others:

Examples:

[ U ] As a journalist she refuses to reveal the identity of her source.
6
an equation (= mathematical statement) that is true for every value given to a variable (= number that can change)
7
the reputation, characteristics, etc. of a person or organization that makes the public think about them in a particular way:

Examples:

Companies often spend a fortune on branding in their attempts to communicate their identity.
8
who a person is, or information that proves who a person is, for example, their name and date of birth:

Examples:

When applying for a driver license or identification card, you must provide proof of your identity.
confirm/prove your identity You may be asked to confirm your identity by phone.

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