identity

identitynoun

Identity is who a person or group is: as a plain fact that can be proved, and as a set of qualities that people feel strongly about and share with others.

1. who someone iswho a particular person is, including their name and other known facts about them

   countable or uncountable [C/U]

   • The police have not released the identity of the victim.
   • He was arrested for stealing someone's identity.
   • She used a fake identity to enter the country.
   • The case in the news turned out to be one of mistaken identity.

   Collocations

   verb + noun prove your identity, hide your identity, reveal someone's identity, steal someone's identity

   adjective + noun a false identity, a secret identity, a fake identity, mistaken identity

   noun + noun identity theft, identity card

2. shared qualitiesthe qualities and beliefs that make a person or group different from others and that they feel strongly about

   countable or uncountable [C/U] usually singular [usu sing]

   • Music is an important part of her identity.
   • The team has developed a strong new identity over the years.
   • Many teenagers struggle to find their identity.
   • The country's cultural identity is shaped by its history.

   Collocations

   noun + noun group identity

   verb + noun find your identity, develop an identity, express your identity

   adjective + noun national identity, cultural identity, a strong identity, a shared identity