identity
/aɪˈdɛntɪti/
NOUN
1. The qualities or characteristics that distinguish a person or group
The distinctive qualities, characteristics, or attributes that establish who a person or group is and distinguish them from others.
1.1. Personal identity and individuality
The unique characteristics, qualities, and attributes that make someone a distinct individual.
Synonyms
- individuality
- selfhood
- self-identity
- personhood
Antonyms
- conformity
- conventionality
Examples
- The young adult explored various hobbies and interests to discover her true identity.
- Each person has an identity shaped by personal experiences, values, and beliefs.
Related Words
- individualism
- distinctiveness
- singularity
- self-awareness
- personality
1.2. Personal character and nature
The distinctive character, disposition, temperament, or personality traits that define an individual's nature.
Synonyms
- character
- personality
- disposition
- nature
- temperament
Examples
- The artist's unique style became a defining feature of her creative identity.
- The novel explores how personal identity develops through family relationships and life experiences.
Related Words
- individuality
- idiosyncrasy
- peculiarity
- trait
- characteristic
1.3. Cultural and collective identity
The shared characteristics, traditions, values, and affiliations that define individuals as members of a particular cultural, ethnic, or social group.
Synonyms
- collective identity
- cultural identity
- group identity
Examples
- The community celebrated cultural diversity by embracing and respecting each individual's identity.
- Migration can influence how communities preserve and develop their cultural identity.
Related Words
- cultural heritage
- belonging
- traditions
- community
- affiliation
1.4. Online and digital identity
The personal information, characteristics, and representations through which an individual is recognized in digital environments.
Synonyms
- digital identity
- online persona
Examples
- In the digital age, protecting one's online identity is crucial for privacy and security.
- Social media platforms have changed how people create and manage their digital identities.
Related Words
- digital profile
- user account
- credentials
- authentication
- online presence
NOUN
2. The sameness or identicalness of things
The quality or fact of two or more specified things being the same in nature, characteristics, or essential properties.
2.1. Sameness and identicalness
The condition in which two or more things are exactly the same or share identical characteristics.
Synonyms
- sameness
- identicalness
- selfsameness
- oneness
Antonyms
- difference
- dissimilarity
- disparity
- unlikeness
Examples
- The identity of the two documents was established through a detailed comparison.
- The researchers examined the identity of the samples to determine whether they came from the same source.
Related Words
- likeness
- similarity
- resemblance
- equivalence
- homogeneity
2.2. Mathematical and algebraic identities
An equation or mathematical relationship that remains true regardless of the values assigned to its variables.
Synonyms
- identity equation
- algebraic identity
Examples
- Students learned several algebraic identities that simplify polynomial expressions.
- The mathematician used an identity to transform the equation into a simpler form.
Related Words
- equation
- equality
- mathematical expression
- formula
- variable
2.3. Identity elements in algebra
An element of an algebraic structure that leaves another element unchanged when combined with it through a specified operation.
Synonyms
- identity element
- neutral element
- unit element
Examples
- The number one serves as the multiplicative identity in ordinary arithmetic.
- The students studied identity elements in different algebraic structures.
Related Words
- multiplicative identity
- additive identity
- algebraic structure
- binary operation
- zero element
2.4. Identity functions in mathematics
A mathematical function that maps every element in its domain to itself without changing its value.
Synonyms
- identity mapping
- identity function
Examples
- The identity function returns the same value that it receives as input.
- The lesson demonstrated how an identity mapping leaves every element of a set unchanged.
Related Words
NOUN
3. A name or persona by which someone is known
A name, persona, public image, or appearance through which a person presents themselves and becomes known to others.
3.1. Personal persona and public image
The recognizable persona, image, or appearance that someone presents to the outside world.
Synonyms
- persona
- self-image
- public image
Examples
- The actor created a completely different identity for the character he portrayed on stage.
- The company worked hard to establish a recognizable brand identity.
Related Words
- character
- appearance
- role
- guise
- reputation
3.2. Alias and assumed identity
A name or persona adopted or used by someone instead of their actual identity, often to conceal who they really are.
Synonyms
- alias
- persona
- assumed identity
Examples
- The undercover agent operated under a false identity during the investigation.
- The author published several novels under a different identity.
Related Words
NOUN
4. A well-known or famous person
A person who is widely recognized or famous, particularly in entertainment, public life, or another prominent field.
4.1. Recognized public figures
A notable or famous person who is recognized by the public because of their achievements, influence, or prominence.
Synonyms
- celebrity
- personality
- public figure
- notable
Examples
- Several famous identities attended the charity event.
- The television program featured prominent identities from the world of entertainment.
Related Words
- fame
- prominence
- recognition
- star
- publicity