Word Frequency
identity (aɪˈdɛntɪtɪ
)
Definitions
noun
(plural) -ties- the state of having unique identifying characteristics held by no other person or thing
- the individual characteristics by which a person or thing is recognized
- Also called: numerical identity. the property of being one and the same individual ⇒
his loss of memory did not affect his identity
- Also called: qualitative identity. the state of being the same in nature, quality, etc ⇒
they were linked by the identity of their tastes
- the state of being the same as a person or thing described or claimed ⇒
the identity of the stolen goods has not yet been established
- identification of oneself as ⇒
moving to London destroyed his Welsh identity
- (logic)
- that relation that holds only between any entity and itself
- an assertion that that relation holds, as Cicero is Tully
- (mathematics)
- an equation that is valid for all values of its variables, as in (x – y)( x + y) = x² – y². Often denoted by the symbol ≡
- Also called: identity element. a member of a set that when operating on another member, x, produces that member x: the identity for multiplication of numbers is 1 since x.1 = 1. x = x See also inverse (sense 2b)
- (Australian & New Zealand, informal) a well-known person, esp in a specified locality; figure (esp in the phrase an old identity)
Word Origin
C16: from Late Latin identitās, from Latin idem the sameSynonyms
View thesaurus entry = individuality, self, character, personality, existence, distinction, originality, peculiarity, uniqueness, oneness, singularity, separateness, distinctiveness, selfhood, particularity
Example Sentences Including 'identities'
But the practice of organising policy on the basis of people's identities - which is a growing trend - has a dark side.Spiked (2003)
For a country of its size, New Zealand has strong regional identities (Cumberland & Fox 1958).Rural Land-Use Planning in Developed Nations
He wanted to know how many Scottish companies had worked with the agency, and their identities.Glasgow Herald (2001)
In a statement, the Pentagon said their identities were being kept secret for fear of reprisals against them.canada.com (2004)
Safe passage and hidden identities would not protect their chosen leaders once they were inside Buckkeep's walls.THE GOLDEN FOOL: Book Two of the Tawny Man (2002)
The environment of someone who juggled several identities , or had climbed too rapidly some aesthetic ladder.Doubting Thomas
The identities of the remaining two people killed were not immediately known.canada.com (2004)
They will be cloaked and hooded to protect their identities.THE GOLDEN FOOL: Book Two of the Tawny Man (2002)
Wirral, Sefton and Knowsley could still retain their own identities but may be part of the new title.Liverpool Daily Post and Echo (2004)
Sponsored Links
Log in to comment on this word.
Comments