ENGLISH
REFERENCE

identity

n. C / U
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //aɪˈdɛntɪˌti// UK //aɪdˈɛntɪti// iden·ti·ty General-service

n. who a person is, or the qualities that make them different from others. It includes your name, your background, and the things you believe in.

n. the characteristics, beliefs, and affiliations that determine who or what a person or thing is. It can refer to official recognition of a person's name and details, or to the subjective sense of self.


SIMPLE

The police are still trying to discover the thief's identity.

CONTEXTUAL

Moving to a new country made her question her cultural identity and how she fit into the world.

COMPLEX

The novel explores the protagonist's struggle to forge a distinct personal identity while remaining loyal to the strict traditions of his immigrant family.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle French identité, from Latin identitās.

Usage

Countable when referring to a specific persona or official set of details; uncountable when referring to the abstract concept of selfhood.

Idioms1 entry

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