Words / B1

y-DENT-uh-tee/aɪˈdentəti/

Identity is who a person is, or the qualities that make a person or group different: prove your identity; identity card; cultural identity. Name is only the label; personality is about character. Identify is the verb: identify the suspect. Identity theft is stealing personal details. A case of mistaken identity means the wrong person. Do not write “the identity of who he is” — use his identity, or who he is.

Meaning

Who a person is, or the qualities that make a person or group different.

Examples

• “The police still do not know the man’s identity.”
• “She had to prove her identity before collecting the parcel.”
• “A passport is proof of identity when you travel.”

Good to know

prove / proof of identity. identity card / theft. Verb: identify. Character: personality. Label: name.

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