identification
UK[aɪˌdentɪfɪˈkeɪʃn]US[aɪˌdentɪfɪˈkeɪʃn]
n
The act of recognizing or naming someone or something.
n
Something (such as a document or card) that proves who you are.
n
A feeling that you share the same feelings, problems, or experiences as someone else.
Morpheme Breakdown
ident
ific
ation
ident
same
ific
making
ation
action or state
Etymology
The word 'identification' has its roots in the Latin verb identificare, meaning "to make the same". This verb itself is a compound of idem ("the same") and facere ("to make"). The core concept of establishing sameness or oneness is preserved from its ancient origins. Over centuries, the term evolved in scholarly and legal contexts to denote the process of proving or recognizing an individual as being identical to a known person or entity. In modern English, it encompasses both the concrete act of providing proof of identity and the psychological process of associating oneself with another.
Analysis
Structure: ident (same) + ific (making) + ation (action or state)
- ident: From Latin idem meaning "the same". Functions as the core root conveying the concept of sameness.
- ific: From Latin -ficus (from facere, "to make"). Functions as an adjectival suffix meaning "making" or "producing".
- ation: From Latin -ationem, a suffix forming nouns of action or state. Functions to nominalize the preceding adjective, indicating the process or result.
Examples
The identification of the suspect was made possible by security camera footage.
You must show valid identification, such as a passport or driver's license, to board the flight.
His strong identification with the main character made the novel deeply moving for him.