# identical

/aɪˈdɛntɪkəɫ/ (US) · /aɪdˈɛntɪkəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/identical
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. exactly the same

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The two sisters wore identical dresses to the party.
- The laboratory results were identical to the findings from the previous study, confirming that the initial hypothesis was correct.

### 2. the very same one

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

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

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

- This is the identical spot where we met ten years ago.
- The witness claimed it was the identical vehicle he had seen fleeing the scene, noting a specific scratch on the rear bumper.

### 3. twins

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- Identical twins often have very similar personalities as well as looks.
- The study focused on identical twins raised apart to determine the relative influence of genetics and environment on cognitive development.

### 4. an identical twin

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

one of two twins who look exactly the same.

For teachers: an individual who is an identical twin.

- She is an identical, so people often mistake her for her sister.
- As an identical, he grew accustomed to teachers calling him by his brother's name throughout primary school.

## Examples

- The two sisters are wearing identical dresses today.
- The laboratory results were identical to the ones we received last month, confirming the experiment's reliability.
- While the two buildings appear identical from the street, a closer inspection of the interior floor plans reveals subtle architectural differences designed to accommodate different commercial needs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.