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identify — to recognize or name someone or something

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to recognize or name someone or something

Pronunciation (IPA): /aɪˈdentɪˌfaɪ/

Example Sentences

  • The teacher asked students to identify the mystery meat in the cafeteria.
  • My mom can identify my footsteps from three floors away.
  • Police used DNA evidence to identify the criminal.

identify

VERB

[/aɪˈdentɪˌfaɪ/]

to recognize or name someone or something

The detective identified the thief from a small clue.
💡 Concept

The detective identified the thief from a small clue.

The guard identified the visitor before opening the gate. (FIND + WHO IT IS = IDENTIFY)
🧠 Mnemonic

The guard identified the visitor before opening the gate. (FIND + WHO IT IS = IDENTIFY)

First identify, then clarify, and finally verify.
🎵 Rhyme

First identify, then clarify, and finally verify.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/aɪˈdentɪˌfaɪ/
🇬🇧 UK/aɪˈdentɪˌfaɪ/

🌳Etymology

Prefix없음-
Rootident
Suffix--ify

Origin

From Medieval Latin identificare, derived from Late Latin identificus meaning 'the same,' which comes from Latin idem (the same) and facere (to make). The term was formed by combining these elements to express the concept of making or treating as the same.

Breakdown

ident- (from Latin idem, meaning 'the same') + -ify (from Latin facere, meaning 'to make') = identify (to make the same, to recognize as being the same)

🎵Rhyme

modify
clarify
justify
terrify
satisfy

🔗Collocations

identify with

“I can identify with your struggles.”

identify the problem

“We need to identify the problem first.”

clearly identify

“The witness could clearly identify the suspect.”

identify the cause

“Doctors are trying to identify the cause of his illness.”

identify potential risks

“It's important to identify potential risks early.”

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The teacher asked students to identify the mystery meat in the cafeteria.”

😄 Fun example

“My mom can identify my footsteps from three floors away.”

“Police used DNA evidence to identify the criminal.”

“Students need to identify their strengths and weaknesses.”

“I can totally identify with your fear of public speaking.”

📚Related Words

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