identify
verb (used with object)
to recognize or establish as being a particular person or thing; verify the identity of.
have been identifying
-
present perfect progressiveof identify.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
People have been identifying and failing to identify objects in the sky forever.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
In some Indigenous cultures, people who embody both male and female spirits have been identifying as “two-spirit” for thousands of years.
From Salon ● Feb. 12, 2025
Capitol Police have been identifying members by those pins—as they are a memento of their time on Capitol Hill.
From Slate ● Jan. 20, 2024
The biggest challenges have been identifying geographic pockets of immigrant populations, finding ways to reach them and helping any of those interested navigate the complex military recruiting applications and procedures.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 11, 2023
Botanists have been identifying and naming plants collected there since the 17th century, with samples stored in herbaria around the world.
From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2020
