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identity

n.
US //aɪˈdɛntɪˌti// UK //aɪdˈɛntɪti// iden·ti·ty
  1. 1 who someone is (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the qualities, beliefs, and personality that make a person or group different from others.

    the distinct personality or set of characteristics by which an individual or collective is recognised.

    Example

    Living in a different country for ten years changed his sense of identity.

    Example

    The architect argued that the new development would destroy the historical identity of the neighbourhood by replacing local shops with global chains.
  2. 2 official information (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    your name and other facts about you, often shown on a document like a passport.

    the fact of being a specific person or thing; often relates to the verification of personal data.

    Example

    The police asked the man to prove his identity by showing a driver's license.

    Example

    The bank implemented two-factor authentication to protect customers against identity theft and unauthorised access to their accounts.
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  1. 3 sameness (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    the state of being exactly the same as something else.

    the quality or condition of being identical; absolute sameness.

    Example

    The identity of the two DNA samples proved they came from the same person.

    Example

    The philosopher explored the identity of the self over time, questioning whether a person remains the same despite physical and mental changes.
  2. 4 mathematical rule (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    an equation that is always true, no matter what numbers you use.

    an equality that remains true regardless of the values assigned to its variables.

    Example

    In your math homework, you need to use a trigonometric identity to solve the problem.

    Example

    The professor demonstrated how the additive identity, zero, functions within various algebraic structures to maintain the value of other elements.
  3. 5 a famous person (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Dialect

    a person who is very well-known in a specific area or town.

    a well-known or prominent individual within a particular community.

    Example

    He was a local identity who everyone recognised at the Saturday market.

    Example

    The funeral was attended by several sporting identities and local politicians who wished to pay their respects to the legendary coach.

    Usage

    Primarily used in Australian and New Zealand English.
Origin

From Middle French identité, from Latin identitās.

Idioms1 entry

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