ENGLISH
REFERENCE

identify

v.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //aɪˈdɛntəˌfaɪ// UK //aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪ// iden·ti·fy Academic General-service

v. to recognize or name someone or something. You use this when you find out exactly what something is or who a person is.

v. to establish or indicate who or what someone or something is. In academic contexts, it refers to the act of distinguishing a specific entity from others based on its characteristics.


SIMPLE

The scientist needs to identify the type of bird.

CONTEXTUAL

Witnesses were asked to identify the suspect from a series of photographs shown by the police.

COMPLEX

In the final report, the researchers were able to identify several key factors that contributed to the sudden decline of the local bee population.

Synonyms
Origin

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

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. When used with 'with', it means to feel a connection to someone's feelings or situation.

Pitfall

He identified to the manHe identified the manWhen the meaning is to recognize someone, the verb is transitive and does not take the preposition 'to'.

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