English · Common Verbs

identify

/aɪˈdentɪfaɪ/

[/aɪˈdentɪfaɪ/]

recognize and name

Intermediateverb

Definition

To recognize someone or something and be able to say who or what they are.

Example

The witness was able to identify the suspect from a row of similar photographs.

The witness was able to identify the suspect from a row of similar photographs.

Etymology

From medieval Latin 'identificare', from 'identitas' (identity).

How & Where It’s Used

Common in science, security, and problem-solving contexts.

Watch “recognize and name” pronunciation on YouTube
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