identification
eye-dehn-tih-fih-KAYSHN
Identification (noun) means a document that proves who someone is. Example: “The bank asked for some identification before opening the new account.”
noun
1
A document that proves who someone is.
"The bank asked for some identification before opening the new account."
"Please show your identification at the entrance to the building."
"You need photo identification to collect the parcel."
2
The act or process of establishing what or who something or someone is.
"Quick identification of the plant helped the gardener choose the right treatment."
"Bird watchers rely on careful identification of songs and markings."
"DNA testing sped up the identification of the remains."
3
A strong sense of connection or shared feeling with a person, group, or cause.
"Fans often feel a deep identification with the characters in their favourite novels."
"Children's identification with their heroes helps shape the people they become."
"Her identification with the underdog team went back to childhood."
How to use identification
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- identifications
Fill the gap
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The bank asked for some _____ before opening the new account.
Etymology
From French identification.
Related words
Rhymes for identification
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
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.
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