identity

noun

Save Word

iden·ti·ty | \ ī-ˈden-tə-tē

, ə-, -ˈde-nə- \

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.

Recent Examples on the Web Their personalities and identities blend and blur, a kind of cosmic Call Me By Your Name. — Wired Staff, Wired, "The 5 Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy TV Shows of 2019," 20 Dec. 2019 Police reviewed security film while obtaining likely identities of the suspects. — Thomas Jewell, cleveland, "An Apple Pay-day for tech, phone scammers: Orange Police Blotter," 20 Dec. 2019 But some felt the reveal was a bummer and letdown considering how much Rey’s identity had been teased in one-and-a-half movies up until that point, only to find out her background wasn’t actually important. — James Hibberd, EW.com, "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," 20 Dec. 2019 Police asked anyone with information about the suspect’s identity to contact the investigator at 651-266-5523 or zane.koeger@ci.stpaul.mn.us. — Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, "Police asking for help to ID man who stole Salvation Army kettle, donations inside," 19 Dec. 2019 Police didn't release any details about the motive for the attack or the suspect's or victims' identities. — NBC News, "1 dead, 3 injured in stabbing, carjacking spree in Oregon," 19 Dec. 2019 In the end, the identity check woes brought up further complications in tracking down individuals for repossession of cars or collection of fees, employees said. — Lucinda Shen, Fortune, "This SoftBank-Backed Startup Sought to Disrupt the Car Market. Instead, It Became a Poster Child for Disruption Gone Awry," 19 Dec. 2019 Accounts for Best Buy and Big Lots also were opened using the woman’s identity, police said. — Jennifer James, Houston Chronicle, "Friendswood police: Shopper shot at robbery suspect," 19 Dec. 2019 This desire to continuously push boundaries both musically and creatively has been at the crux of EXO’s identity since their debut in 2012. — Emlyn Travis, Teen Vogue, "K-Pop Stars EXO Reflect on How Far They've Come — and How Far They'll Go," 19 Dec. 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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Dictionary Entries near identity

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Last Updated

23 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Identity.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity. Accessed 6 January 2020.

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More Definitions for identity

identity

noun

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·ti·ty | \ ī-ˈden-tə-tē

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·ti·ty | \ ī-ˈden(t)-ət-ē, ə-ˈ

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·ti·ty

plural identities

Legal Definition of identity

1 : sameness of essential character or aspect collateral estoppel requires identity of the issues and the parties

2a : separate or distinct existence when movables lose their identity or become an integral part of the immovable — Louisiana Civil Code

b : distinguishing character of a person especially : information (as a name or address) that distinguishes a person is required to reveal the identity of an informer but for a mistake concerning the proper party's identity — Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 15(c)

3 : the condition of being the same as a thing or person described, claimed, or accused character evidence of a suspect's past crimes may be admitted to prove the identity of a crime's perpetrator

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