Meaning of identify In English

• 0 to recognize someone or something and say or prove who or what that person or thing is:

  • Even the smallest baby can identify its mother by her voice.

  • The gunman in Wednesday's attack has been identified as Lee Giggs, an unemployed truck driver.

  • The police officer identified himself (= gave his name or proved who he was) and asked for our help.

  • The research will be used to identify training needs.

  • You need to identify your priorities.

• 1 to feel and say that you belong to a particular group of people:

  • Someone who is assigned male at birth may identify as female.

  • Voters identifying as Republicans dropped by 2 percent.

  • Although race is a social construction, it's a big part of how you identify.

• 2 to recognize or be able to name someone or something, or to prove who or what someone or something is:

  • Small babies can identify their mothers.

  • The police officer refused to identify himself.

• 3 to find and be able to describe someone or something:

  • identify what/which/who To create an effective advertising campaign you must first identify who your target market is.

  • A good business recovery service should include an initial risk assessment to identify which essential processes are at risk and how the risk can be reduced.

• 4 to say or prove who or what someone or something is:

  • The document must identify you by name and bear your signature or a readily recognizable photograph of you.

  • You will be asked to identify yourself at the reception desk when you arrive.