Define vs. Identify — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 6, 2024
Define focuses on explaining the meaning of terms or concepts, whereas Identify involves recognizing or establishing what something is or who someone is.
Difference Between Define and Identify
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Define involves stating the meaning of a word, phrase, or symbol, clarifying its nature and boundaries. Identify, on the other hand, is about recognizing or distinguishing something or someone as being a particular entity.
While defining focuses on the conceptual understanding of terms, identifying is more about practical recognition and categorization. Defining "justice" might involve discussing its principles of fairness and moral righteousness, whereas identifying instances of justice involves recognizing where these principles are applied or upheld in real scenarios.
Define aims to give a clear, often concise, explanation that encapsulates the essence of a concept, making it understandable within a certain context. Identifying, in contrast, requires observational skills, knowledge of characteristics, and sometimes the use of specific methodologies or tools.
Comparison Chart
Primary Focus
Explaining the meaning of terms or concepts.
Recognizing or establishing what something is.
Method
Description or enumeration.
Comparison with known entities or criteria.
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Context
Academic, professional, everyday communication.
Practical fields like biology, law enforcement.
Skills Required
Conceptual understanding, clarity in explanation.
Observational skills, knowledge of specific criteria.
Outcome
Conceptual clarity and understanding.
Recognition or categorization of entities.
Compare with Definitions
Define
To state the precise meaning of (a word or phrase).
Dictionaries define words so that people can understand them.
Identify
To establish or indicate who or what (someone or something) is.
The witness could not identify the suspect.
Define
To describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of.
The role of the teacher is defined as someone who facilitates learning.
Identify
To diagnose or recognize (a disease, condition, etc.).
The doctor was able to identify the illness as chickenpox.
Define
To establish the essence or nature of something by a precise statement.
The speech aimed to define the party's future direction.
Identify
To recognize or distinguish (especially something considered significant).
Identify trends in the data can help predict future events.
Define
To mark out the boundary or limits of.
Boundaries of the city park are defined by a fence.
Identify
To associate (someone) closely with; regard (someone) as having strong links with.
She identifies herself as a libertarian.
Define
To specify distinctly.
The contract defines the responsibilities of each party.
Identify
To make identical; equate.
The movie's plot identifies the hero's journey with a quest for self-discovery.
Define
State or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of
The contract will seek to define the client's obligations
Identify
To establish or recognize the identity of; ascertain as a certain person or thing
Can you identify what kind of plane that is? I identified the man at the next table as a famous actor.
Define
Mark out the boundary or limits of
The river defines the park's boundary
Identify
(Biology) To determine the taxonomic classification of (an organism).
Define
To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).
Identify
To ascertain as having a certain characteristic or feature
Job candidates who are identified as overqualified.
Children who have been identified with hearing loss.
Define
To describe the nature or basic qualities of; explain
Define the properties of a new drug.
A study that defines people according to their median incomes.
Identify
To consider as identical or united; equate
The Greek god Ares is identified with the Roman god Mars.
Define
To make clear the outline or form of; delineate
Gentle hills that were defined against the sky.
Identify
To associate or affiliate closely with
Writers who are identified with modernism.
Define
To specify distinctly
Define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.
Identify
To consider oneself as sharing certain characteristics or attitudes as another
She identifies strongly with her grandmother.
Define
To give form or meaning to
"For him, a life is defined by action" (Jay Parini).
Identify
To associate oneself with or admire something, such as a set of ideas
A language learner who identifies with a new culture.
Define
To make or write a definition.
Identify
(transitive) To establish the identity of someone or something.
It was hard to identify the shoplifter because the CCTV records didn't have a clear image.
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
The defining power of an optical instrument
Identify
(transitive) To disclose the identity of someone.
The Associated Press will not identify the suspect of the crime because he is a juvenile.
Define
(obsolete) To settle, decide an argument etc.
Identify
To establish the taxonomic classification of an organism.
Define
To express the essential nature of something.
I define myself as a techno-anarchist.
Your past mistakes do not define who you are.
Identify
(transitive) To equate or make the same; to unite or combine into one.
Define
To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time.
Identify
(reflexive) To have a strong affinity with; to feel oneself to be modelled on or connected to.
Define
To describe, explain, or make definite and clear; used to request the listener or other person to elaborate or explain more clearly his or her intended meaning of a word or expression.
Person 1: Is she good at math?
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Identify
(intransitive) To associate oneself with some group; to feel, or believe one feels, the same way.
Define
To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.
To define the legal boundaries of a property
Identify
To claim an identity; to describe oneself as a member of a group; to assert the use of a particular term to describe oneself.
Define
(mathematics) To establish the referent of a term or notation.
Identify
To make to be the same; to unite or combine in such a manner as to make one; to treat as being one or having the same purpose or effect; to consider as the same in any relation.
Every precaution is taken to identify the interests of the people and of the rulers.
Let us identify, let us incorporate ourselves with the people.
Define
(programming) A kind of macro in source code that replaces one text string with another wherever it occurs.
Identify
To establish the identity of; to prove to be the same with something described, claimed, or asserted; as, to identify stolen property.
Define
To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.
Identify
To become the same; to coalesce in interest, purpose, use, effect, etc.
Define
To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
Identify
To coalesce in interest, purpose, use, effect, etc.; to associate oneself in name, goals, or feelings; usually used with with; as, he identified with the grief she felt at her father's death.
An enlightened self-interest, which, when well understood, they tell us will identify with an interest more enlarged and public.
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument.
Rings . . . very distinct and well defined.
Identify
Recognize as being; establish the identity of someone or something;
She identified the man on the 'wanted' poster
Define
To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term.
They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature.
Identify
Give the name or identifying characteristics of; refer to by name or some other identifying characteristic property;
Many senators were named in connection with the scandal
The almanac identifies the auspicious months
Define
To determine; to decide.
Identify
Consider (oneself) as similar to somebody else;
He identified with the refugees
Define
Give a definition for the meaning of a word;
Define `sadness'
Identify
Identify as in botany or biology, for example
Define
Determine the essential quality of
Identify
Consider to be equal or the same;
He identified his brother as one of the fugitives
Define
Determine the nature of;
What defines a good wine?
Define
Delineate the form or outline of;
The tree was clearly defined by the light
The camera could define the smallest object
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to define something?
To define something means to explain its meaning, nature, or scope clearly and precisely.
How does context affect the process of defining or identifying?
Context shapes how a term is defined by providing relevant parameters, and it guides what characteristics are considered when identifying something.
How do you identify something?
You identify something by recognizing it, distinguishing it from others, or establishing what it is based on observation or comparison.
Why is identifying important?
Identifying is crucial for recognizing and categorizing the world around us, allowing for appropriate responses or actions.
Can defining and identifying overlap?
Yes, they can overlap when the process of defining involves categorization that requires identification.
How does identifying affect interactions with the environment?
Identifying helps us navigate and interact with our environment more effectively by recognizing and categorizing elements within it.
Is defining more about words and identifying more about objects?
Yes, generally, defining is focused on explaining words or concepts, while identifying is about recognizing objects or entities.
Why is defining important?
Defining is important for clear communication, ensuring everyone understands exactly what is meant by specific terms or phrases.
How does defining affect our understanding of concepts?
Defining clarifies concepts, allowing for deeper understanding and more effective communication.
What skills are necessary for defining?
Clear expression, conceptual understanding, and precision in language are key skills for defining.
Can the same methods be used for both defining and identifying?
Some methods, like comparison, can be used in both processes, but the focus and objectives differ.
Is it possible to incorrectly define or identify?
Yes, misunderstandings, lack of information, or biases can lead to incorrect definitions or identifications.
What skills are necessary for identifying?
Observational skills, knowledge of specific criteria, and sometimes technical skills are necessary for identifying.
Can technology aid in the process of defining or identifying?
Yes, technology can aid both processes through tools like dictionaries and search engines for defining, and databases and recognition software for identifying.
How does culture influence the way we define or identify?
Culture influences the context and criteria we use, shaping our definitions and the way we recognize and categorize entities.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
