Definition

The process of recognizing or proving who someone is or what something is.

Example

The identification of the suspect was crucial for the investigation.

Conversation

Have you seen my identification? I can't find it anywhere.

No, I haven't. Did you check your bag?

Yeah, I looked there and in my jacket too.

Maybe it's in your car; it could have slipped out somewhere.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Identification → It is formed from "ident" (from Latin "idem", meaning the same) and "-fication" (from Latin "facere", meaning to make). The word refers to the process of making something the same or recognizing it as the same as something else.

Memory Tip

Think of 'the same' ('idem') being 'made' ('facere') into a recognition process — that's what identification means.

Visually Confused Words