identity
eye-DEHN-tih-tee
Identity (noun) means Who a person is, including their name, background, and sense of self. Example: “The witness protection program gave him a whole new identity.”
noun
1
Who a person is, including their name, background, and sense of self.
"The witness protection program gave him a whole new identity."
"Music was a huge part of her identity growing up."
"Online, you should protect your identity by choosing strong passwords and checking links."
2
The distinguishing character or personality of something, especially a brand or group.
"The rebrand gave the company a fresh visual identity."
"The little cafe has a strong identity, with its bright walls and friendly staff."
"The team's identity comes from its bold green shirts and loyal supporters."
3
(mathematics) An equation that holds true for every possible value of its variables.
"sin²(x) + cos²(x) = 1 is a well-known trigonometric identity."
"Our teacher asked us to check whether the equation was really an identity."
"To prove the identity, you must show both sides are equal whatever values x and y take."
How to use identity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe set of qualities, name, and history that make someone (or something) who or what they are.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
sense of identity
identity theft
national identity
brand identity
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Word forms
- Plural
- identities
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The witness protection program gave him a whole new _____.
Etymology
From Late Latin identitas, built on Latin idem, "the same."
Synonyms
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individuality
selfhood
sense of self
character
personality
distinctiveness
identicalness
identity element
personal identity
identity operator
indistinguishability
Related words
Rhymes for identity
See all rhymes for identity →Frequently asked questions
What does “identity” mean?
The word “identity” means who a person is, including their name, background, and sense of self. In plain terms, the set of qualities, name, and history that make someone (or something) who or what they are.
How do you pronounce “identity”?
“Identity” is pronounced eye-DEHN-tih-tee (/aɪˈdɛn(t)ɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “identity” in a sentence?
Here is “identity” used in a sentence: “The witness protection program gave him a whole new identity.”
What part of speech is “identity”?
“Identity” is a noun.
Where does the word “identity” come from?
The word “identity” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin identitas, built on Latin idem, "the same.".
Is “identity” a common word?
“Identity” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “identity” have?
“Identity” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: who a person is, including their name, background, and sense of self.
What is the difference between identity and identification?
Identity is who a person actually is — their character, background, and sense of self. Identification is the act or proof of establishing who someone is, such as a passport or driving licence. Your identity exists on its own; identification is the evidence used to confirm it to others.
What are the different types of identity?
Identity has many overlapping layers. Personal identity is your individual character and values. Social identity comes from the groups you belong to, such as family, nationality, or profession. Cultural identity reflects shared traditions and beliefs. People also speak of gender identity, meaning one's own sense of gender.
Can a person's identity change over time?
Yes. While some parts of identity feel stable, it naturally evolves with experience. New relationships, careers, cultures, and life events all reshape how people see themselves. Someone's values, beliefs, and sense of belonging can shift considerably between youth and later life, so identity is better understood as developing than fixed.
Why is identity important?
Identity shapes how people understand themselves and relate to others. A clear sense of who you are guides decisions, values, and goals, and provides stability during change. It also creates belonging by linking individuals to families, cultures, and communities. Without it, people can feel lost or disconnected from those around them.
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