identify

/aɪˈdentɪfaɪ/ (bre, ipa) · [aɪdˈɛntəfˌaɪ] /aɪˈdentɪfaɪ/ (ame, ipa) · [aɪdˈɛntəfˌaɪ] /ī-ˈden-tə-ˌfī ə-/ (ame, mw)

identify — verb

  • identifypresent simple I / you / we / they
  • identifieshe / she / it
  • identifiedpast simple
  • identifying-ing form

1. to look at a person, thing, or sign and decide exactly who or what it is, often

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to look at a person, thing, or sign and decide exactly who or what it is, often by checking a detail that proves it.

例句

The ranger identified the bird by the white ring around its neck.

identify + noun by + feature

Chiara identified the caller as her old piano teacher.

identify + noun as + noun phrase

同義詞
  • recognize

    broader and more everyday; you may recognize something before you can say exactly what it is

  • pinpoint

    stronger; emphasizes finding the exact person, place, or cause

  • name

    narrower; focuses on giving the label rather than working it out

反義詞

文法句型

identify + noun phrase

identify + noun phrase by + clue

identify + noun phrase as + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often used when the speaker can name the exact person or thing after checking evidence such as a face, voice, record, or visible feature. Distinguish from sense 2, where the object is a problem or cause rather than a person or physical thing.

常見錯誤

❌I identified about the woman in the photo.
✅I identified the woman in the photo.
💡this sense takes a direct object, not 'about'.
❌The witness identified like the driver from his voice.
✅The witness identified the driver from his voice.
💡use a direct object, not 'like'.

2. to notice a problem, need, cause, or pattern and make it clear that it is there.

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to notice a problem, need, cause, or pattern and make it clear that it is there.

例句

Tanvi identified a gap in the plan before the meeting began.

identify + problem-shaped noun

The survey identified safety concerns among parents near the school gate.

identify + concern

同義詞
  • spot

    more informal; often suggests noticing something quickly

  • detect

    common when the problem is hidden and found by careful checking

  • pinpoint

    emphasizes finding the exact cause or problem

反義詞
  • overlook

    to fail to notice something important that is there

文法句型

identify + problem/need/cause/risk

identify + noun phrase as + noun phrase

identify + wh-clause

用法筆記

Object is usually an already-existing issue such as a cause, risk, need, or weakness. Common in reports, medicine, planning, and research. Distinguish from sense 1, where the task is naming who or what something is.

常見錯誤

❌The report identified that there were too few nurses.
✅The report identified a shortage of nurses.
💡this sense usually takes a noun phrase, not a full that-clause.
❌The team identified a new product for the market.
✅The team developed a new product for the market.
💡identify means noticing or pointing out something that already exists.

3. to feel that you share the feelings, background, or values of a person or group,

3.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to feel that you share the feelings, background, or values of a person or group, or to say that you are part of that group.

例句

Min identified strongly with the quiet girl in the film.

identify with + person/character

Roya identifies as both Taiwanese and Iranian at work.

identify as + identity label

同義詞
  • relate to

    more informal; stresses understanding someone's feelings or experience

  • empathize with

    narrower; focuses on sharing feelings rather than full identity

  • associate oneself with

    more formal; often used for public alignment with a group or cause

反義詞

文法句型

identify with + person/group

identify as + noun/adjective

identify strongly with + noun phrase

用法筆記

This sense usually takes 'with' for shared feelings or background, and 'as' for a stated identity. It is about belonging or emotional connection, not about recognizing who someone is.

常見錯誤

❌I identify the lonely hero in this novel.
✅I identify with the lonely hero in this novel.
💡without 'with', the verb changes to the meaning of recognizing someone.
❌She identifies her culture.
✅She identifies with her culture.
💡use 'with' for shared identity or emotional connection.