B1noun1K

Identity

UK /["/aɪˈdentəti/"]/US /["/aɪˈdentəti/"]/

Definition

who or what somebody/something is

In simple words: Who someone is, or what makes a person unique.

Examples

  • Your identity is shaped by your experiences and relationships.
  • He struggled with his identity after moving to a new country.
  • Many people join groups to find a sense of identity and belonging.
  • Their identity as a team is defined by their shared goals.
  • Digital identity has become increasingly important in the online world.

Usage notes

Used in various contexts such as personal, cultural, or social identity. Avoid in overly casual conversations where simpler terms might suffice.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'I dentify' - it's about who you are and your unique features.

Collocations

  • true
  • assumed
  • false
  • build
  • construct
  • create
  • bracelet
  • tag
  • card
  • identity as
  • identity between
  • proof of identity
  • a search for identity
  • a sense of identity
  • true
  • assumed
  • false
  • build
  • construct
  • create
  • bracelet
  • tag
  • card
  • identity as
  • identity between
  • proof of identity
  • a search for identity
  • a sense of identity

Synonyms

  • self
  • personality
  • character
  • individuality
  • uniqueness

Antonyms

  • anonymity
  • unrecognizability

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'identical' - they are not the same.
  • Used as a verb incorrectly, 'identity' is only a noun.
  • Mixing up 'identities' with 'identification'.