identity

noun

iden·​ti·​ty ī-ˈden-tə-tē 

ə-,

-ˈde-nə-

plural identities

1

a

: the distinguishing character or personality of an individual : individuality

b

: the relation established by psychological identification

2

: the condition of being the same with something described or asserted

establish the identity of stolen goods

3

a

: sameness of essential or generic character in different instances

b

: sameness in all that constitutes the objective reality of a thing : oneness

4

: an equation that is satisfied for all values of the symbols

5

: identity element

Synonyms

• identicalness
• sameness

Examples of identity in a Sentence

The identity of the criminal is not known.

They produced their passports as proof of their identities.

They arrested the wrong man. It was a case of mistaken identity.

As children grow, they establish their own identities.

people who seem to lack individual identity

His art reflects his cultural identity.

Recent Examples on the Web

Afterward, far-right influencers spread lies about the identity of the attacker, spurring white supremacists and other protesters to attack mosques, immigration centers and individual migrants over several days. —Will Carless, USA TODAY, 17 Aug. 2024

By: Philip Sherburne Folk traditions and bold new initiatives are evolving the identity of the Azores, home to some of Europe's most isolated communities. —Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2024

Findley then allegedly made false statements to the Presley family, Tennessee state court and the media that the person behind the scheme was a Nigerian identity thief. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2024

The company whose data breach potentially exposed every American’s Social Security number to identity thieves finally has acknowledged the data theft — and said hackers obtained even more sensitive information than previously reported. —Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French identité, from Late Latin identitat-, identitas, probably from Latin identidem repeatedly, contraction of idem et idem, literally, same and same

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing identity

• a case of mistaken identity
• additive identity
• case of mistaken identity
• dissociative identity disorder
• gender identity
• gender identity disorder
• identity card
• identity crisis
• identity element
• identity matrix
• identity parade
• identity politics
• identity theft
• multiplicative identity
• self-identity

Kids Definition

identity

noun

iden·​ti·​ty ī-ˈden(t)-ət-ē 

ə-ˈden(t)-

plural identities

1

: the condition of being exactly alike : sameness

2

: individuality sense 1

3

: the fact of being the same person or thing as claimed

prove one's identity

4

: identity element

Medical Definition

identity

noun

iden·​ti·​ty ī-ˈden(t)-ət-ē, ə-ˈ 

plural identities

1

: the distinguishing character or personality of an individual

2

: the relation established by psychological identification

Legal Definition

identity

noun

iden·​ti·​ty

plural identities

1

: sameness of essential character or aspect

collateral estoppel requires identity of the issues and the parties

2

a

: separate or distinct existence

when movables lose their identity or become an integral part of the immovable

—Louisiana Civil Code

b

: distinguishing character of a person

especially : information (as a name or address) that distinguishes a person

is required to reveal the identity of an informer

but for a mistake concerning the proper party's identity

—Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 15(c)

3

: the condition of being the same as a thing or person described, claimed, or accused

character evidence of a suspect's past crimes may be admitted to prove the identity of a crime's perpetrator