law of identity

1
: one of three principles in logic:
2
: a statement (as "a house is a house") in which the subject and predicate are the same is true
3
: the copula in an identity affirms an existent of which the identity is true
4
: a statement of an identity is the expression of an abstract relation of identity symbolized by a term (as A in "A is A") that apparently refers in its separate instances to the subject and predicate respectively

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near law of identity

Cite this Entry

“Law of identity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/law%20of%20identity. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!