noun
identification
A feeling of connection with another person, group, or role.
Her identification with the main character makes the story feel personal.
Etymology
The source means to make or regard as the same. Psychological identification applies that sameness to feeling connected with another’s character, situation, or role.
More examples
- Shared experiences strengthen his identification with the group.
- Her identification with her role as a teacher remains strong.
- The film encourages identification with people whose lives differ from ours.
Forms
identification
identify verb — Feel a personal connection with someone.
Similar words
- affinity
- Emphasizes natural attraction or likeness rather than shared identity.
- empathy
- Emphasizes understanding another person's feelings rather than sharing an identity.