Identification

/aɪˌdɛntəfɪˈkeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

Identification is the act of showing or proving who or what someone or something is. It can also mean feeling a strong connection with someone else’s feelings or situation.

Etymology

From French "identification," from Medieval Latin "identificare" meaning "to make the same," built from "idem" (the same) and "facere" (to make). The meaning expanded from labeling sameness to recognizing identity in people and ideas.

Kelly Says

Your ID card is just a portable story that says, "This is really me"—and society agrees to believe that story. Psychologically, when you "identify" with someone, you temporarily blur the line between their story and your own.

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