noun B1 Intermediate Common

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

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."

The distinguishing character or personality of something, especially a brand or group.

"The rebrand gave the company a fresh visual identity."

(mathematics) An equation that holds true for every possible value of its variables.

"sin²(x) + cos²(x) = 1 is a well-known trigonometric identity."

How to use identity

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe set of qualities, name, and history that make someone (or something) who or what they are.

Easily confused with

identification →

Common pairings

sense of identity identity theft national identity brand identity

Word forms

identities plural

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The witness protection program gave him a whole new _____.

Etymology

From Late Latin identitas, built on Latin idem, "the same."

Origin: Late Latin

Synonyms

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individuality selfhood sense of self character personality distinctiveness identicalness identity element personal identity identity operator indistinguishability

Related words

part role self personal character quality individual difference

Rhymes for identity

city pity deity acuity parity entity brevity opacity paucity ability quality reality

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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Vocabulary lists that include identity:

8 letter words Words that start with I Words that end with Y The 5000 most common English words

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