# identity

/aɪˈdɛntɪˌti/ (US) · /aɪdˈɛntɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/identity
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. who someone is

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- Living in a different country for ten years changed his sense of identity.
- The architect argued that the new development would destroy the historical identity of the neighbourhood by replacing local shops with global chains.

### 2. official information

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The police asked the man to prove his identity by showing a driver's license.
- The bank implemented two-factor authentication to protect customers against identity theft and unauthorised access to their accounts.

### 3. sameness

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

the state of being exactly the same as something else.

For teachers: the quality or condition of being identical; absolute sameness.

- The identity of the two DNA samples proved they came from the same person.
- The philosopher explored the identity of the self over time, questioning whether a person remains the same despite physical and mental changes.

### 4. mathematical rule

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- In your math homework, you need to use a trigonometric identity to solve the problem.
- The professor demonstrated how the additive identity, zero, functions within various algebraic structures to maintain the value of other elements.

### 5. a famous person

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect

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

For teachers: a well-known or prominent individual within a particular community.

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

## Examples

- The police are still trying to discover the thief's identity.
- Moving to a new country made her question her cultural identity and how she fit into the world.
- The novel explores the protagonist's struggle to forge a distinct personal identity while remaining loyal to the strict traditions of his immigrant family.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.