noun
identity
eye-DEN-tuh-tee/aɪˈdentəti/
The defining characteristics by which someone is recognized.
The woman's portrait helps establish her identity beside the card she holds.
Etymology
Identity began with sameness or oneness. In the selected sense, that idea concerns what makes someone or something the same particular individual or thing rather than another.
In context
you embrace your core identity you Embrace who you truly are
More examples
- He builds his identity around being a musician.
- The two neighborhoods have distinct identities despite sharing a border.
- The bank checks her identity before opening an account.
Forms
identity · identities
identify verb — To establish who a particular person is.
Similar words
- character
- Emphasizes personal qualities, especially moral traits, rather than recognition.
- individuality
- Emphasizes what makes people unique, rather than who they are.