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identity

noun
iden路​ti路​ty | \ 墨-藞den-t蓹-t膿 How to pronounce identity (audio) , 蓹-, -藞de-n蓹-\
plural identities

Definition of identity

1a : 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
3a : 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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about identity

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Aarons refused to give troopers his identity and claimed there was another gun in the car, but no gun was found. — Adam Ferrise, cleveland.com, "One dead, one critical after chase, crash with Ohio State Highway Patrol in Cleveland," 30 Aug. 2019 The Utes must make the running game their identity but can鈥檛 be too predictable or conservative. — Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, "Utah preview: Punishing lines, veteran playmakers lead Utes to another South title," 26 Aug. 2019 In Illinois, details were not immediately available about the person who died so as to protect the person's identity, the state health department said in a press release on Friday. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, "Illinois resident suffering breathing issues after vaping dies," 23 Aug. 2019 The Ethics Commission protects the identity of people who file complaints. — Dominic Fracassa, SFChronicle.com, "Breed 2018 campaign probed for possible campaign finance violations," 19 Aug. 2019 The women disagreed, urging the court to continue to allow the women to protect their true identities. — Author: Rachel D'oro, Anchorage Daily News, "Former UAA professor accused of sexual misconduct objects to pseudonyms in lawsuit," 13 Aug. 2019 The Courier Journal is not naming the boy to protect his identity. — courier-journal.com, "These 7 Kentucky children were abused so badly that a panel deemed the cases torture," 8 Aug. 2019 All names were changed to protect their identities. — Staff Report, Houston Chronicle, "UHD professor鈥檚 textbook prepares social workers to address needs of immigrants," 8 Aug. 2019 But if a case is appealed, appellate court opinions are public and protect identities by referring to children by first name only and parents by first name, last initial. — Mary Jo Pitzl, azcentral, "These courts must protect kids' privacy. They also must be public. Can it be done?," 31 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'identity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of identity

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

History and Etymology for identity

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

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More Definitions for identity

identity

noun
How to pronounce identity (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of identity

: who someone is : the name of a person
: the qualities, beliefs, etc., that make a particular person or group different from others

See the full definition for identity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

identity

noun
iden路​ti路​ty | \ 墨-藞den-t蓹-t膿 How to pronounce identity (audio) \
plural identities

Kids Definition of identity

1 : the set of qualities and beliefs that make one person or group different from others : individuality Children establish their own identities.
2 : the fact of being the same person or thing as claimed Can you prove your identity?
3 : the fact or condition of being exactly alike : sameness He proved the identity of the two books' authorship.

identity

noun
iden路​ti路​ty | \ 墨-藞den(t)-蓹t-膿, 蓹-藞 How to pronounce identity (audio) \
plural identities

Medical Definition of identity

1 : the distinguishing character or personality of an individual
2 : the relation established by psychological identification

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identity

noun
iden路​ti路​ty
plural identities

Legal Definition of identity

1 : same

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