Word
identifiable
Phoneticsiden·ti·fi·able
US/aɪˈdɛntəˌfaɪəbəɫ/
UK/aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪəbəl/
Definition
adj. easy to recognize or name because of specific features. You use this when you can tell exactly what or who something is.
adj. capable of being recognized or established as being a particular person or thing. Often used in contexts involving forensic evidence, branding, or visual patterns.
Examples
“The suspect was easily identifiable from the security footage.”
“The company uses a bright orange logo to ensure its products are identifiable from a distance.”
“While the melody remains identifiable throughout the variations, the composer obscures the rhythm so thoroughly that the original theme feels like a distant memory.”
Examples
simple
“The suspect was easily identifiable from the security footage.”
contextual
“The company uses a bright orange logo to ensure its products are identifiable from a distance.”
complex
“While the melody remains identifiable throughout the variations, the composer obscures the rhythm so thoroughly that the original theme feels like a distant memory.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “identifiable” in context.
Verb
01. become identifiable
“As the fog cleared, the distant shoreline slowly became identifiable.”
verb + adj
02. remain identifiable
“Even after many years, the original structure of the building remains identifiable.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. clearly identifiable
“There was no clearly identifiable reason for the sudden change in policy.”
adv + adj
04. easily identifiable
“The staff members are easily identifiable by their bright red uniforms.”
adv + adj
05. identifiable by
“The bird is identifiable by the distinctive blue feathers on its wings.”
adj + prep
06. instantly identifiable
“The brand's logo is instantly identifiable to consumers all over the world.”
adv + adj
07. correct identifiable
Usage
Often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'become', or 'remain'. Frequently modified by adverbs of degree such as 'easily', 'clearly', or 'instantly'.
Pitfall
The problem is identifyable.
The problem is identifiable.
Learners often incorrectly use 'y' instead of 'i' because the root verb is 'identify'.
Real-World Examples
“Ministers apologised after it emerged that the company’s staff had access to identifiable patient data.” “Look upwards and to the west and the red planet will be identifiable because of its colour.” “The passengers in this video are not identifiable.” Etymology
From identify + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/identifiable