Reading Theme:
Identity: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：unique personal attributes (identity)
identity
/aɪˈdɛntəti/
n.
who someone is; the qualities that make a person or thing different from others.
unique personal attributes
➕
/ˈjuːnɪk ˈpɜːrsənl əˈtrɪbjuːts/
n.
Refers to the distinct qualities and characteristics that define an individual or entity, setting them apart from others.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'identitas', meaning 'sameness', derived from 'idem' meaning 'same'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'ID card' – it shows your identity, who you are.
📖 Example
When traveling abroad, it's important to carry your identity documents like a passport.
When traveling abroad, it's important to carry your identity documents like a passport.
🔗 Collocations
identity theft – the fraudulent use of someone's personal information
identity crisis – a period of uncertainty about one's self or role in life
national identity – the sense of belonging to a nation or country
🔄 Synonyms
individuality (n.) – the qualities that make a person unique
personality (n.) – the combination of characteristics that form an individual's distinctive character
selfhood (n.) – the quality that constitutes one's individuality
🚫 Antonyms
anonymity (n.) – the state of being unknown or unacknowledged
🌱 Derivatives
identify (v.) – to recognize or establish the identity of someone or something
identical (adj.) – exactly the same
identification (n.) – the action of identifying someone or something
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'identitas' (sameness). In modern culture, it's key in psychology for self-concept and in technology for digital identity verification, reflecting evolved usage.
Meaning 2：state of being identical (identity)
identity
/aɪˈdɛntəti/
n.
the state of being exactly the same as something else.
state of being identical
➕
/steɪt əv ˈbiːɪŋ aɪˈdɛntɪkl/
n.
Describes the condition where two or more things are exactly alike in every aspect, with no differences.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In the science experiment, the identity of the two chemical samples was proven by their identical reactions.
In the science experiment, the identity of the two chemical samples was proven by their identical reactions.
🔗 Collocations
identical in all respects – exactly the same in every way
prove identity – to demonstrate that two things are the same
lack of identity – absence of sameness or distinction
🔄 Synonyms
sameness (n.) – the quality of being identical or alike
equivalence (n.) – the state of being equal in value, function, etc.
uniformity (n.) – the quality of being uniform or consistent
🚫 Antonyms
difference (n.) – the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
distinction (n.) – a difference or contrast between similar things
🌱 Derivatives
identify (v.) – to recognize or establish the identity of someone or something
identical (adj.) – exactly the same
identification (n.) – the action of identifying someone or something
Wordbook
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