identify
gb/aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪ/ us/aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪ/
B1
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Recognize and name something
To know and say who a person is or what a thing is.
Usage pattern:
to identify [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'identify' with 'recognize'. 'Identify' usually means you can provide a name or category, not just that something looks familiar.
Synonyms
recognize (Implies knowing from having seen or experienced before, without necessarily naming.)
|
pinpoint (More precise and often used for locating or defining exactly.)
Antonyms
misidentify (To incorrectly say who or what someone or something is.)
Collocations
identify a suspect
|identify the problem
|identify yourself
|identify a species
Themes
daily life
|communication
|law
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The witness was able to identify the thief from a lineup.
- Can you identify this bird by its call?
- Please identify yourself to the security guard before entering.
Learner examples
- I can identify my teacher in the photo.
- She can identify the animal in the picture.
- Please identify yourself before you come in.
Verb
B2
action
2
Find and label a feature
To find and say what a problem or special thing is.
Usage pattern:
to identify [a problem/feature/cause]
Synonyms
diagnose (Often used in medical or technical contexts for identifying problems.)
|
determine (More general term for finding out something with certainty.)
Antonyms
overlook (Fail to notice or find a problem or characteristic.)
Collocations
identify the cause
|identify key features
|identify trends
Themes
science
|business
|problem solving
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The report aims to identify areas for improvement.
- Scientists have identified several factors contributing to climate change.
- We need to identify the root cause of the error.
Learner examples
- The doctor will identify the problem with my leg.
- We must identify the reason for the delay.
- They identified the main points in the text.
Verb
B2
state
3
Associate with a group or idea
To feel that you are part of a group or share its ideas.
Usage pattern:
to identify with [someone/something]
Synonyms
relate to (Informal and emotional connection to someone or something.)
Antonyms
distance oneself from (To avoid connection or association with a group or idea.)
Collocations
identify with a character
|identify with a cause
Themes
emotions
|society
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I really identify with her struggle to succeed.
- He identifies strongly with his cultural heritage.
- Many young people identify with environmental causes.
Learner examples
- I identify with my best friend because we like the same things.
- She identifies with the hero in the story.
- They identify with the team’s goals.
Grammar
Dictionary form
identify
IPA
GB/aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪ/
US/aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪ/
Syllables & stress
identi - fy (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fy)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: identify
- 3rd Person Singular: identifies
- Present Participle: identifying
- Past: identified
Word family
Forms
identifies
verb
identifying
verb
identified
verb
Core family
identification
noun B1
identity
noun B1
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unidentified
adjective
unidentifiable
adjective
Advanced or less common
misidentify
verb
identifier
noun
Expressions
identify oneself as
1/aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪ wˌʌnsˈɛlf ˈæz/
fixed phrase
State your own identity
To say clearly who you are, often in an official situation.
Examples
- The caller identified himself as a police officer.
- Please identify yourself as soon as you arrive at reception.
identify with
1/aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪ wˈɪθ/
phrasal verb
Feel connected to someone/something
To feel that you understand and share another person’s feelings, ideas, or situation.
Examples
- I could easily identify with the main character in the film.
- She identifies with people who have faced similar challenges.