Meaning & Definition of word "Identity"

Identity

/aɪˈdɛntɪti/

noun:

  • 1. The fact of being who or what a person or thing is; the qualities, beliefs, culture, and personality that make a person or group different from others.
    • Example: Her identity as an artist has evolved over the years.
  • 2. The condition of being the same as something else.
    • Example: The identity of the missing person was confirmed through dental records.
  • 3. A social category that reflects a person's attributes, such as ethnicity, gender, or nationality.
    • Example: His identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community is important to him.
  • 4. The characteristics or qualities that distinguish an individual from others.
    • Example: Cultural identity plays a significant role in shaping one's worldview.

Etymology

From Late Latin identitas, from Latin idem meaning 'the same'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

cultural identity:

The identity or feeling of belonging to a group based on culture.

gender identity:

A personal conception of oneself as male, female, a blend of both, or neither.

national identity:

A person's sense of belonging to a particular nation.

Related Words

self:

A person's essential being that distinguishes them from others.

individual:

A single human being as distinct from a group.

Slang Meanings of identity

Meaning: ID

Example Sentence: Gotta show my ID to confirm my identity.

Meaning: realness

Example Sentence: His music captures his realness and identity.