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REFERENCE

identical

adj. · n.
US //aɪˈdɛntɪkəɫ// UK //aɪdˈɛntɪkəl// iden·ti·cal
  1. 1 exactly the same (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    exactly the same in every way, so that you cannot see any difference.

    bearing full likeness by having precisely the same set of characteristics; indistinguishable and non-gradable.

    Example

    The two sisters wore identical dresses to the party.

    Example

    The laboratory results were identical to the findings from the previous study, confirming that the initial hypothesis was correct.
    Pitfall
    The two cars are identical to each other.
    The two cars are identical.

    While you can say 'A is identical to B', when describing two things together, simply say they are 'identical' without 'to each other'.

  2. 2 the very same one (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal Philosophy

    being the exact same person or thing, not just a similar one.

    referring to the selfsame entity; numerically identical rather than merely qualitatively similar.

    Example

    This is the identical spot where we met ten years ago.

    Example

    The witness claimed it was the identical vehicle he had seen fleeing the scene, noting a specific scratch on the rear bumper.
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  1. 3 twins (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Biology

    describing twins who developed from the same egg and look exactly the same.

    of twins, developed from a single fertilised ovum and therefore sharing the same genetic code.

    Example

    Identical twins often have very similar personalities as well as looks.

    Example

    The study focused on identical twins raised apart to determine the relative influence of genetics and environment on cognitive development.
    • monozygotic
  2. 4 an identical twin (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    one of two twins who look exactly the same.

    an individual who is an identical twin.

    Example

    She is an identical, so people often mistake her for her sister.

    Example

    As an identical, he grew accustomed to teachers calling him by his brother's name throughout primary school.
Origin

From identic + -al.

Word family

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