Identity Meaning and Definition

Identity

Identity

Pronunciation

/ɪˈdɛntɪti/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The quality or condition of being a specific person, thing, or phenomenon, with a unique set of characteristics, attributes, or properties that distinguish it from others.

Examples

  • Your identity is what makes you, you.
  • The company’s identity is reflected in its logo and brand tone.

Synonyms

  • Personality
  • Character

Antonyms

  • Uniformity
  • Absoluteness

Etymology

The word “identity” comes from the Latin “identitas,” meaning “oneness” or “unity.”

Usage Notes

Use “identity” to describe something that is distinct or unique, whereas use “identify” to indicate the act of recognizing or determining something.

Cultural References

Identity has been explored in various forms of media, such as the TV series “Black Mirror” and the film “The Matrix.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • Find one’s identity
  • Lose one’s identity

Related Words or Phrases

  • Self
  • Personality
  • Character

Collocations

  • digital identity
  • culture identity
  • social identity

Frequency of Use

Identity is a commonly used term in modern language, particularly in the context of psychology, sociology, and philosophy.

Common Misspellings

  • Idenity
  • Idintity
  • Identety

Related Words