recognizing someone or something, or considering yourself as part of a particular group or with particular characteristics.
From Medieval Latin 'identificare', combining 'idem' (same) and 'facere' (to make). It means 'to make the same'—recognizing something as identical to what you already know.
When you identify with someone, you're literally trying to 'make them the same' as you—finding common ground. It's why the word works for both spotting someone in a crowd and feeling like you belong to a community.
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