Identify Meaning

Identify Definition & Usage
To recognize or be able to name someone or something.
Examples
- "She could easily identify the plant by its distinctive leaves."
- "Can you identify the artist who painted this piece?"
- "The police were able to identify the suspect from the security footage."
- "I can’t identify the song that's playing, but it sounds familiar."
- "He was asked to identify the key witnesses in the case."
To associate oneself with a particular group, belief, or concept, often used to express a connection with a certain identity or characteristic.
Examples
- "He identifies as a musician first and foremost."
- "Many people identify with the values of freedom and equality."
- "She could not identify with the views expressed in the article."
- "Children often identify with their parents' professions."
- "The community tends to identify with the environmental movement."
To determine the nature or characteristics of something through analysis or examination.
Examples
- "The scientist was able to identify the chemical composition of the sample."
- "Doctors need to quickly identify the symptoms of the disease to start treatment."
- "Biologists use DNA testing to identify species."
- "The team worked to identify the cause of the system failure."
- "The engineer identified a fault in the wiring that was responsible for the malfunction."
Cultural Context
The word 'identify' derives from the Latin 'identificare', meaning 'to make identical'. Over time, it evolved to encompass various meanings related to recognition, categorization, and emotional connections.
The Mystery of the Forgotten Portrait
Story
The Mystery of the Forgotten Portrait
Once, in a small town, there was a forgotten painting in the old library. The portrait had no name, no artist's signature, and was tucked away behind a dusty curtain. Only one person in the town could identify it: Arthur, a retired art historian who had spent his youth traveling the world. Arthur’s love for art had led him to identify famous works with ease, but this portrait was different. It was an enigma. The moment he walked into the library, he immediately recognized the painting’s style and technique. 'This is no ordinary portrait,' he murmured to himself. 'I can identify the brushwork—it’s a lost work from the Renaissance era.' Arthur had always identified with the artists whose works he studied. He could see a piece of himself in every painting, a connection to the emotions the artists felt. But this portrait was personal. It felt as though it had been waiting for him, calling out for recognition. Arthur decided to dig deeper. He spent days researching, poring over old records and forgotten letters. Eventually, his research led him to identify the artist: a little-known painter named Giovanni Fiorini, whose works had been forgotten after a mysterious disappearance. The portrait, it seemed, was a clue to Fiorini’s fate. On a crisp autumn evening, Arthur stood before the portrait, contemplating its significance. 'This piece has been here all along,' he said quietly, 'waiting to be identified, to be understood.' As the truth unfolded before him, Arthur realized that some mysteries are meant to be solved, and sometimes, identifying something is not just about naming it, but understanding its place in the world. In that moment, Arthur felt a deep sense of connection, not only to the artist but to the history they shared. And just like that, the forgotten portrait found its place in the town's history, no longer a mystery, but a cherished treasure.

Related Words























