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identify

v.
US //aɪˈdɛntəˌfaɪ// UK //aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪ// iden·ti·fy
  1. 1 to recognize or name (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to recognize someone or something and say who or what they are.

    to establish the identity of a person or object through observation or evidence.

    Example

    The witness was able to identify the thief from a series of photos.

    Example

    Forensic experts worked for weeks to identify the remains found at the historical site using advanced DNA sequencing techniques.

    Usage

    Often used with a direct object.
  2. 2 to find or notice (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Academic

    to find a problem, a reason, or a specific thing in a group.

    to pinpoint or determine the nature of something, such as a cause or a specific instance within a data set.

    Example

    The report identifies three main reasons why the project failed.

    Example

    The research team sought to identify the specific gene responsible for the plant's resistance to drought.

    Usage

    Common in academic and technical writing when discussing causes or variables.
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  1. 3 to feel a connection (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to feel that you understand or share the same feelings as someone else.

    to experience a strong psychological affinity or sense of shared experience with another person or a fictional character.

    Example

    Many readers identify with the main character because she is very honest.

    Example

    The audience struggled to identify with the protagonist, whose motivations remained opaque and unsympathetic throughout the play.

    Usage

    Usually takes the preposition 'with'.
  2. 4 to describe oneself (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to say that you belong to a particular group or have a certain identity.

    to assert one's membership in a social, cultural, or gender category.

    Example

    She identifies as a writer even though she has a different day job.

    Example

    The survey asked participants how they identify in terms of their cultural heritage and linguistic background.

    Usage

    Usually takes the preposition 'as'.
Origin

From French identifier, from Medieval Latin identicus + Latin faciō.

Word family

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