English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

identification

eye-dehn-tih-fih-KAYSHN

Identification (noun) means a document that proves who someone is. Example: “You need photo identification to collect the parcel.”

noun
1
A document that proves who someone is.
"You need photo identification to collect the parcel."
2
The act or process of establishing what or who something or someone is.
"DNA testing sped up the identification of the remains."
3
A strong sense of connection or shared feeling with a person, group, or cause.
"Her identification with the underdog team went back to childhood."

How to Use Identification

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither proof of who you are (an ID) or the process/feeling of recognizing or relating to something.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
photo identification positive identification identification with

Word Forms

identifications plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “identification” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

You need photo _____ to collect the parcel.

Etymology

From French identification.

Origin: French

Related Words

Rhymes for identification

See all rhymes for identification →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “identification” mean?

The word “identification” means a document that proves who someone is. In plain terms, either proof of who you are (an ID) or the process/feeling of recognizing or relating to something.

How do you pronounce “identification”?

“Identification” is pronounced eye-dehn-tih-fih-KAYSHN (/aɪˌdɛn(t)ɪfɪˈkeɪʃn̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “identification” in a sentence?

Here is “identification” used in a sentence: “You need photo identification to collect the parcel.”

What part of speech is “identification”?

“Identification” is a noun.

Where does the word “identification” come from?

The word “identification” comes from French.

Is “identification” a common word?

“Identification” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “identification” have?

“Identification” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a document that proves who someone is.

What is the difference between "identification" and "ID"?

"ID" is an informal abbreviation of "identification," and both can mean a document proving who someone is. "Identification" is the fuller, more formal term and also names the broader act of establishing what or who something is, a meaning "ID" rarely carries.

What is the difference between "identification" and "identity"?

"Identity" is who or what someone or something actually is, while "identification" is the process of establishing that identity or a document that proves it. You confirm a person's identity through identification.

When should you use "identification" instead of "recognition"?

Use "identification" when you name or establish exactly what or who something is, and "recognition" when you simply know you have encountered it before. Recognition is knowing a face is familiar; identification is naming the person.

What are common words that go with "identification"?

"Identification" often pairs with "proof of" (proof of identification), "positive" (positive identification), and "photo" (photo identification). "Identification card" and "identification number" are common compounds.

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial