identity

noun

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iden·ti·ty | \ ī-ˈden-tə-tē

, ə-, -ˈde-nə- \

plural identities

Definition of identity

1a : the distinguishing character or personality of an individual : individuality

b : the relation established by psychological identification

2 : the condition of being the same with something described or asserted establish the identity of stolen goods

3a : sameness of essential or generic character in different instances

b : sameness in all that constitutes the objective reality of a thing : oneness

4 : an equation that is satisfied for all values of the symbols

5 : identity element

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About identity

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Examples of identity in a Sentence

The identity of the criminal is not known. They produced their passports as proof of their identities. They arrested the wrong man. It was a case of mistaken identity. As children grow, they establish their own identities. people who seem to lack individual identity His art reflects his cultural identity.

Recent Examples on the Web And in Iraq, one group’s work shows that ideas – not just objects – need protection from outside influence and control over a society’s identity. — Lindsey Mcginnis, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Aug. 2021 This is a person, identity unknown, portraying an object for a tableau presented in a theater. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2021 Luis Montero-Adams of the San Diego LGBT Community Center said pronouns are an important reflection of a person’s identity. — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2021 By that point, Greyson’s father had rejected Greyson’s identity. — Jake Bittle, The New Republic, 13 Aug. 2021 Fans and panelists had been stumped over Mushroom’s identity all season after switching up his vocals in every performance. — Andrea Towers, EW.com, 12 Aug. 2021 The Marion County Coroner’s Office will announce the man’s identity once his family has been notified. — Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Aug. 2021 The impassioned author of that blog, Pink Is for Boys, is careful to conceal her son’s identity, as were the other parents interviewed for this article. — New York Times, 11 Aug. 2021 Beck and Lohr researched what was possible to find about Kalinski’s identity. — Susan Dunne, courant.com, 11 Aug. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'identity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near identity

identism

identity

identity card

Statistics for identity

Last Updated

21 Aug 2021

Cite this Entry

“Identity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity. Accessed 30 Aug. 2021.

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More Definitions for identity

identity

noun

English Language Learners Definition of identity

: who someone is : the name of a person

: the qualities, beliefs, etc., that make a particular person or group different from others

See the full definition for identity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

identity

noun

iden·ti·ty | \ ī-ˈden-tə-tē

plural identities

Kids Definition of identity

1 : the set of qualities and beliefs that make one person or group different from others : individuality Children establish their own identities.

2 : the fact of being the same person or thing as claimed Can you prove your identity?

3 : the fact or condition of being exactly alike : sameness He proved the identity of the two books' authorship.

identity

noun

iden·ti·ty | \ ī-ˈden(t)-ət-ē, ə-ˈ

plural identities

Medical Definition of identity

1 : the distinguishing character or personality of an individual

2 : the relation established by psychological identification

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identity

noun

iden·ti·ty

plural identities

Legal Definition of identity

1 : sameness of essential character or aspect collateral estoppel requires identity of the issues and the parties

2a : separate or distinct existence when movables lose their identity or become an integral part of the immovable — Louisiana Civil Code

b : distinguishing character of a person especially : information (as a name or address) that distinguishes a person is required to reveal the identity of an informer but for a mistake concerning the proper party's identity — Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 15(c)

3 : the condition of being the same as a thing or person described, claimed, or accused character evidence of a suspect's past crimes may be admitted to prove the identity of a crime's perpetrator