identification

[ ahy-den-tuh-fi-key-shuhn, ih-den- ]

noun

1. an act or instance of identifying; the state of being identified.

   Synonyms: affiliation, connection, association

2. something that identifies a person, animal, or thing:

   He carries identification with him at all times.

3. Sociology. acceptance as one's own of the values and interests of a social group.
4. Psychology.
   1. a process by which one ascribes to oneself the qualities or characteristics of another person.
   2. (in psychoanalytic theory) the transference or reaction to one person with the feelings or responses relevant to another, as the identification of a teacher with a parent.
   3. perception of another as an extension of oneself.

identification

/ aɪˌdɛntɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of identifying or the state of being identified
2. 1. something that identifies a person or thing
   2. ( as modifier )

      an identification card

3. psychol
   1. the process of recognizing specific objects as the result of remembering
   2. the process by which one incorporates aspects of another person's personality See also empathy
   3. the transferring of a response from one situation to another because the two bear similar features See also generalization

Other Words From

• noni·denti·fi·cation noun
• over·i·denti·fi·cation noun
• prei·denti·fi·cation noun
• rei·denti·fi·cation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of identification¹

First recorded in 1635–45; identi(fy) + -fication

Example Sentences

"Successful detection and monitoring programs for invasive wildlife hinge on rapid detection and accurate identification of nonnative species," said Miller.

From Science Daily

No identification is needed from those using it.

From BBC

In a wide-ranging interview with presenter Rick Edwards, she said Bluesky does not try to verify the identification of the user, to ensure people are not lying when signing up.

From BBC

"Importantly, our strategy enables early identification of people at high risk for developing heart dysfunction, allowing for timely interventions to prevent further loss of heart function."

From Science Daily

Just their accessibility, their boldness, their identification challenges.

From Salon

Related Words

• description
• passport
• recognition
• testimony