identity

noun

iden·​ti·​ty ī-ˈden-tə-tē 

ə-, 

-ˈde-nə-

plural identities

1

a(1)

: the distinguishing character or personality of an individual : individuality

a strong sense of identity

As children grow, they establish their own identities.

(2)

: who someone is : the name of a person

The suspect's identity is not known.

a case of mistaken identity

You will need to show proof of identity.

The face of the witness was hidden in order to protect her identity.

b

: the relation established by psychological identification

His art reflects his cultural identity.

2

: the condition of being the same with something described or asserted

establish the identity of stolen goods

3

a

: sameness of essential or generic character in different instances

the identity of the red in the rug with the red of a brick

b

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

the sense of identity arising in a shared experience

4

: an operator that leaves unchanged an element on which it operates : identity element

since if zero is added to any integer, the sum is the same integer, zero is an additive identity

Synonyms of identity

• similarity
• identicalness
• resemblance
• sameness
• oneness
• homogeneity

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

Backed by Western powers for his staunch anti-communism, Mobutu sought to forge a new national identity after Congo's independence from Belgium in 1960, even banning Western-style suits and names as part of his campaign. —Emmet Livingstone, NPR, 23 Nov. 2025

What begins as a rivalry spirals into a chaotic, heartfelt journey through adolescent identity, friendship, and the universal awkwardness of growing up. —Udita Jhunjhunwala, Variety, 23 Nov. 2025

The identity of the person has not been released and investigators have not said if there is a suspect. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 23 Nov. 2025

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office is expected to release the identity of the suspect within the same timeframe. —Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French identité, from Late Latin identitat-, identitas, probably from Latin identidem repeatedly, contraction of idem et idem, literally, same and same

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing identity

• a case of mistaken identity
• additive identity
• case of mistaken identity
• dissociative identity disorder
• gender identity
• gender identity disorder
• identity card
• identity crisis
• identity element
• identity matrix
• identity parade
• identity politics
• identity theft
• multiplicative identity
• self-identity

Rhymes for identity

• nonentity
• entity

Kids Definition

identity

noun

iden·​ti·​ty ī-ˈden(t)-ət-ē 

ə-ˈden(t)-

plural identities

1

: the condition of being exactly alike : sameness

2

: individuality sense 1

3

: the fact of being the same person or thing as claimed

prove one's identity

4

: identity element

Medical Definition

identity

noun

iden·​ti·​ty ī-ˈden(t)-ət-ē, ə-ˈ 

plural identities

1

: the distinguishing character or personality of an individual

2

: the relation established by psychological identification

Legal Definition

identity

noun

iden·​ti·​ty

plural identities

1

: sameness of essential character or aspect

collateral estoppel requires identity of the issues and the parties

2

a

: 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