C1 noun Neutral

identity

/aɪˈden.tə.ti/

Identity refers to the distinguishing character or personality of an individual, encompassing the qualities, beliefs, and expressions that make a person or group unique. In a broader sense, it describes the state of remaining the same under different conditions or the condition of being exactly like something else.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The artist's work explores the complex relationship between cultural heritage and personal identity.

The artist's work explores the complex relationship between cultural heritage and personal identity.

2

Verification of the applicant's identity is a mandatory requirement for the processing of a visa application.

Verification of the applicant's identity is a mandatory requirement for the processing of a visa application.

3

I feel like I'm having a bit of an identity crisis trying to decide which career path to take.

I feel like I'm having a bit of an identity crisis trying to decide which career path to take.

Word Family

Noun
identity
Verb
identify
Adverb
identically
Adjective
identical
Related
identification
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'ID'. Your 'ID' card is the physical proof of your abstract 'Identity'.

Quick Quiz

The witness was unable to provide a definitive _____ of the suspect during the lineup.

Correct!

The correct answer is: identification

Examples

1

The artist's work explores the complex relationship between cultural heritage and personal identity.

everyday

The artist's work explores the complex relationship between cultural heritage and personal identity.

2

Verification of the applicant's identity is a mandatory requirement for the processing of a visa application.

formal

Verification of the applicant's identity is a mandatory requirement for the processing of a visa application.

3

I feel like I'm having a bit of an identity crisis trying to decide which career path to take.

informal

I feel like I'm having a bit of an identity crisis trying to decide which career path to take.

4

Post-structuralist theorists argue that identity is not a fixed essence but a fluid social construct.

academic

Post-structuralist theorists argue that identity is not a fixed essence but a fluid social construct.

5

To remain competitive, the firm must maintain a consistent corporate identity across all international markets.

business

To remain competitive, the firm must maintain a consistent corporate identity across all international markets.

Word Family

Noun
identity
Verb
identify
Adverb
identically
Adjective
identical
Related
identification

Common Collocations

sense of identity a feeling of knowing who you are
national identity a sense of a nation as a cohesive whole
identity theft the fraudulent acquisition and use of a person's private identifying information
mistaken identity a situation in which someone is thought to be someone else
establish an identity to prove or create a recognized persona or status

Common Phrases

identity crisis

a period of uncertainty and confusion in which a person's sense of self becomes insecure

hidden identity

a state where one's true character or name is kept secret

brand identity

the visible elements of a brand that identify and distinguish the brand in consumers' minds

Often Confused With

identity vs identification

Identification refers to the act of identifying or the document (ID) used to prove who you are, whereas identity is the abstract state of being a specific person.

📝

Usage Notes

At the C1 level, 'identity' is frequently used in sociopolitical and psychological contexts to discuss how individuals relate to groups. It can be both a countable noun (different identities) and an uncountable concept.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'show your identity' when they actually mean 'show your identification' or 'show your ID card'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'ID'. Your 'ID' card is the physical proof of your abstract 'Identity'.

📖

Word Origin

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

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: plural is 'identities' Often followed by prepositions like 'of' or 'as' Commonly preceded by adjectives: 'cultural', 'gender', 'national'
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Cultural Context

In many modern Western societies, identity is increasingly discussed as intersectional, combining factors like race, gender, and class.

Quick Quiz

The witness was unable to provide a definitive _____ of the suspect during the lineup.

Correct!

The correct answer is: identification

Related Words

blacklist

B2

To put a person, organization, or country on a list of those who are considered unacceptable and should be avoided or excluded from certain activities or privileges. It is often used to describe the denial of employment, trade, or participation based on previous behavior or reputation.

blackmailer

B2

A person who demands money, favors, or specific actions from someone by threatening to reveal damaging secrets or private information about them. It refers to an individual who practices extortion through psychological or reputational leverage.

blackout

B2

A blackout refers to a temporary loss of electrical power over an area or a sudden failure of memory or consciousness in an individual. It can also describe a period of censorship where information or news is intentionally suppressed by an authority.

blackthorn

B2

A thorny deciduous shrub or small tree of the rose family, native to Europe and western Asia, which produces white flowers in early spring and small, bitter, dark blue fruits known as sloes. It is frequently used for creating dense, prickly hedges and is well-known for providing the wood used in traditional Irish walking sticks.

bladder

B2

To swell, puff out, or expand like a balloon, often used in technical contexts to describe membranes filling with air or liquid. Informally, it can also refer to talking at length without much substance or meaning.

blame

B2

To consider or state that someone or something is responsible for a mistake, failure, or negative situation. It involves attributing the cause of a problem to a specific person, group, or factor.

blameless

B2

Describes someone who has done nothing wrong and cannot be held responsible for a bad situation or mistake. It is often used to emphasize a person's innocence or their morally upright character.

blameworthy

B2

Deserving of blame, criticism, or censure because of wrong or negligent behavior. It is often used to describe actions or individuals that are morally or legally responsible for a negative outcome.

blandness

B2

Blandness refers to the quality of being uninteresting, dull, or lacking in strong features and characteristics. In a culinary context, it describes food that lacks flavor or seasoning, while in a general context, it describes things that are mediocre or devoid of personality.

blank

B2

Describes a surface that has no writing, images, or marks on it, or a state of mind where one cannot remember or think of anything. It is frequently used to describe paper, screens, or facial expressions that lack emotion or understanding.

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