Words / B1

y-dent-if-i-KAYSHUN/aɪˌdentɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/

Identification is an official document that proves who you are (photo identification / ID), and also the act of recognising something. Identify is the verb; identity is who you are (both already in the dictionary). ID is the everyday short form. Exam halls: photo identification, not a screenshot.

Meaning

An official document that proves who you are; also the act of recognising someone or something.

Examples

• “Bring photo identification to the exam hall, not a screenshot.”
• “Identification of the victim took two days, which is the “recognising” sense.”

Good to know

photo identification / ID. Verb: identify. Who you are: identity. Uncountable in many “ID” uses. Exams / airports / banks.

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