B2adjective2K

Identical

UK /["/aɪˈdentɪkl/"]/US /["/aɪˈdentɪkl/"]/

Definition

similar in every detail

In simple words: Exactly the same as something else.

Examples

  • a row of identical houses
  • The two pictures are similar, although not identical.
  • Her dress is almost identical to mine.
  • The name on the ticket should be identical with the one in the passport.
  • These two models are absolutely identical in appearance.
  • This knife is identical to the one used in the attack.
  • offspring that are genetically identical with the parents
  • This is the identical room we stayed in last year.

Usage notes

Use 'identical' when comparing two or more things that have no differences. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid using it with subjective descriptions that don't show clear similarity.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'ID' in 'identical' as a way to identify things that are the same.

Collocations

  • appear
  • be
  • look
  • absolutely
  • completely
  • exactly
  • in
  • to
  • with

Synonyms

  • same
  • alike
  • duplicate
  • equal
  • matching

Antonyms

  • different
  • diverse
  • distinct

Common mistakes

  • Using 'identical' when comparing things that are similar but not the same.
  • Confusing 'identical' with 'similar'.
  • Incorrectly using 'identical' in non-comparative contexts.