English Reference
verb · adjective · noun

identifying

v. · adj. · n.
US /aɪˈdɛntəˌfaɪɪŋ/ UK /aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪɪŋ/ iden·ti·fy·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.recognizing someone or something and saying who or what they are.

    v.the present participle of 'identify', used to describe the process of establishing the identity of a person or object.

    Simple

    The witness spent hours identifying the suspect from a group of photos.

    In context

    Identifying the specific chemical markers in the sample required several rounds of sophisticated laboratory testing.

    Usage

    often followed by a direct object or a 'that' clause.

    confusingmislabeling
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing a feature that helps you recognize a person or thing.

    adj.serving to establish or distinguish identity; providing a unique characteristic for recognition.

    Simple

    The bird has a bright red patch on its wing as an identifying mark.

    In context

    The detective looked for identifying features, such as scars or tattoos, that would help confirm the victim's name.

    Usage

    usually placed before the noun it modifies.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    n.the act of finding out who someone is or what something is.

    n.the gerund form used as a noun to denote the action or process of establishing identity.

    Simple

    Identifying the problem is the first step toward fixing it.

    In context

    The rapid identifying of the virus strain allowed the medical team to deploy the correct vaccine immediately.

    Usage

    functions as the subject or object of a sentence.

Usage identifying information

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated