identification
gb/aɪdˌɛntɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/ us/aɪdˌɛntɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
A2
English
~ 3300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
proof or recognition of identity
When you show or know who someone or something is.
Usage pattern:
identification of [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'identification' with 'identity'. 'Identification' is the process or proof; 'identity' is who you are.
Synonyms
verification (More general term for checking correctness, not limited to identity.)
|
authentication (Often used in technical contexts for confirming identity.)
Antonyms
anonymity (The state of having an unknown identity.)
Collocations
show identification
|require identification
|identification card
|photo identification
|confirm identification
Themes
security
|law
|daily life
|communication
Examples
- The police asked for identification before letting him through.
- Identification of the suspect took several days.
- Please have your identification ready at the entrance.
- The software uses facial recognition for identification.
- She presented her passport as identification.
Learner examples
- The guard asked for my identification.
- I showed my passport for identification.
- You need identification to enter the building.
- He gave the police his identification.
- They want to see your identification.
Noun
A2
entity
2
document proving identity
An official paper or card that shows who you are.
Usage pattern:
carry [identification]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse the abstract idea of 'identification' with the physical document. In this sense, it refers to the document itself.
Synonyms
ID (Common informal abbreviation for 'identification document'.)
Collocations
carry identification
|show identification
|valid identification
Themes
travel
|security
|law
|daily_life
Examples
- You must carry identification when traveling abroad.
- He forgot his identification at home and couldn't enter.
- Photo identification is required to pick up the package.
- The bouncer checked everyone's identification at the door.
Learner examples
- I have my identification in my bag.
- She showed her identification to the officer.
- You need identification to get on the plane.
- He lost his identification yesterday.
Noun
technical
B2
action
3
recognizing or naming something
When you find out what something is by looking at its features.
Usage pattern:
identification of [species/object/problem]
Synonyms
classification (Organizing into categories, not always involving recognition of a specific example.)
Collocations
species identification
|problem identification
|accurate identification
Themes
science
|education
Examples
- Accurate identification of the plant is essential before using it as medicine.
- The scientist worked on the identification of new mineral types.
- Early identification of problems can save money.
Learner examples
- We learned about bird identification in class.
- The doctor made the identification of the disease quickly.
- Identification of problems is important.
Grammar
Dictionary form
identification
IPA
GB/aɪdˌɛntɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
US/aɪdˌɛntɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
iden - ti - fic - a - tion (5 syllables)
Stress on 5th syllable (tion)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: identification
- Plural: identification, identifications
Word family
Forms
identifications
noun
Related words
identifiable
adjective B2
identical
adjective B1
Negative and opposite forms
unidentified
adjective
unidentifiable
adjective
Advanced or less common
identically
adverb
identifier
noun
Expressions
carry identification
1/kˈɛɹi aɪdˌɛntɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
have ID with you
To have an official paper or card with you that shows who you are.
Examples
- It is recommended to carry identification at all times while traveling.
- She never carries identification when she goes running.
photo identification
1/fˈoʊtoʊ aɪdˌɛntɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
ID document with photo
An official card or paper with your picture on it that shows who you are.
Examples
- You need photo identification to buy alcohol here.
- Please bring photo identification when you come for the interview.
show identification
1/ʃˈoʊ aɪdˌɛntɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
present ID document
To give an official paper or card to prove who you are.
Examples
- You must show identification to enter the building.
- The cashier asked me to show identification when I paid by credit card.