identify
UK[aɪˈdentɪfaɪ]US[aɪˈdentɪfaɪ]
v
To recognize and correctly name someone or something
v
To find or discover something
v
To feel that you are similar to someone and can understand them
Morpheme Breakdown
ident
ify
ident
same
ify
verb suffix
Etymology
The word 'identify' has a clear logical path from its literal components to its modern abstract meanings. It originates from the Late Latin verb identificare, meaning "to make the same". This was formed from idem (the same) and -ficare (a suffix meaning to make). The core idea of "making the same" evolved into the English sense of establishing a person or thing's sameness with a known category, i.e., recognizing them. From this primary meaning of recognition, the senses of "discovering" and "feeling association with" naturally extended, all revolving around the fundamental concept of establishing a connection based on shared characteristics.
Analysis
Structure: ident (same) + ify (verb suffix)
- ident: From Latin idem meaning "the same". In this word, it functions as the core root conveying the concept of sameness.
- ify: A verb-forming suffix of Latin origin (-ficare via French -fier), meaning "to make" or "to cause to be".
Examples
She was able to identify the bird by its distinctive call.
The study aims to identify the main causes of the problem.
Many readers identify strongly with the novel's main character.