Identifying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”
Add to dictionary

identifying

[aษชหˆdษ›ntษชfaษชษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a sentence

Recognizing or selecting someone or something from a group based on certain characteristics.

Synonyms

distinguishing, picking out, recognizing, spotting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
identifying

Used when determining the identity of something or someone, often through detailed observation or analysis.

  • She spent hours identifying different species of birds in the forest
  • The police were quick in identifying the suspect
recognizing

Used when you know or remember something or someone because you have seen, heard, or met them before.

  • She had a hard time recognizing her old friend after so many years
  • The computer software is good at recognizing faces
distinguishing

Used when noticing or recognizing differences between similar things or people.

  • He had trouble distinguishing between the identical twins
  • This scent is hard to distinguish from others
spotting

Used in more casual or informal situations to mean seeing or noticing someone or something, often unexpectedly or among others.

  • I had trouble spotting my dog in the crowded park
  • He was excellent at spotting errors in the document
picking out

Used in casual contexts to mean selecting or choosing something or someone from a group based on specific characteristics.

  • She was picking out the ripest apples from the basket
  • He had a keen eye for picking out fake antiques

Examples of usage

  • Identifying the suspect from the lineup was difficult.
  • She had no trouble identifying the correct key for the door.
  • I am good at identifying different types of birds by their songs.
  • The doctor is currently in the process of identifying the cause of the patient's symptoms.
Context #2 | Noun

in a sentence

The act of determining or recognizing the identity of someone or something.

Synonyms

authentication, classification, recognition, verification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
identifying

Use when determining the identity or nature of something or someone.

  • She had trouble identifying the species of the bird.
  • The police are identifying the suspects involved in the robbery.
recognition

Use when acknowledging or identifying someone or something using cognitive or perceptual processes. Often used in terms of facial recognition or pattern recognition.

  • Facial recognition technology is used at the airport for quicker identification.
  • He received wide recognition for his contribution to the project.
authentication

Use when verifying the authenticity of something, often related to security or access.

  • Two-factor authentication is required to access the account.
  • The document underwent rigorous authentication procedures.
verification

Use when confirming the accuracy or truth of something. Often applies to data, facts, or credentials.

  • Verification of the applicantโ€™s qualifications took several days.
  • The system requires multiple verifications before approval.
classification

Use when organizing or categorizing items or information into groups or classes.

  • The library uses the Dewey Decimal System for classification of books.
  • The scientist spent months on the classification of the new plant species.

Examples of usage

  • Police have requested help in the identification of the victim.
  • Biometric identification methods are becoming more popular for security purposes.
  • I need your identification before I can allow you to enter the building.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, identifying can relate to self-identity, where individuals recognize their beliefs, values, and personality traits.
  • The process of identifying stimuli in psychology is crucial for understanding perception and cognition.
  • Researchers often study how identifying influences behaviors, such as the way people connect with groups or social identities.

Education

  • In educational settings, identifying skills helps teachers assess students' comprehension and tailor teaching methods.
  • Identifying learning styles is a common goal to enhance effective teaching and foster student engagement.
  • Students often practice identifying concepts and terms to improve vocabulary and critical thinking skills.

Technology

  • In the digital world, identifying is key in cybersecurity, where systems must recognize potential threats and user identities.
  • Biometric technology is revolutionizing how we identify people, using fingerprints or facial recognition for security.
  • Artificial Intelligence systems focus heavily on identifying patterns in data to inform machine learning processes.

Cultural Examples

  • Many cultures have unique methods of identifying themselves, such as rites of passage that signify a transition into a new identity.
  • Art often plays a role in identifying cultural identity, using symbolism and imagery to convey personal and collective stories.
  • In storytelling, characters often go through journeys of identifying their true selves, which resonates universally.

Origin of 'identifying'

Main points about word origin

  • The word stems from the Latin word 'identificare,' which combines 'idem' (same) and 'facere' (to make), meaning to make something the same as something else.
  • It appeared in English around the late 19th century, evolving in usage to encompass various contexts from psychology to everyday tasks.
  • In linguistics, 'identifying' involves linking signs to their meanings, a fundamental aspect of language development.

The word 'identifying' originates from the verb 'identify,' which comes from the Medieval Latin word 'identificare,' formed by combining 'idem' (same) and 'facere' (to make). The concept of identifying has been essential in human history for various purposes, including security, research, and personal relationships.


See also: identifiable, identification, identifier, identifiers, identify, misidentify, unidentified.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,398, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.