Identify vs. Name — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 22, 2024
Identify involves determining the nature or category of something, focusing on recognizing or diagnosing, while naming involves assigning a specific name or label.
Difference Between Identify and Name
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Identify often involves a process of recognition or diagnosis, which can include distinguishing characteristics or categorizing based on certain criteria. Whereas naming is primarily about assigning a label or title to something, often for the purpose of communication or classification.
In identifying, there may be a need for analysis and deeper understanding, while naming might simply follow recognition or established conventions. On the other hand, the act of naming can also bestow meaning or significance, giving something a specific identity.
Identifying something doesn't necessarily involve giving it a new name, but rather placing it within a known category or framework. Whereas naming is critical in creating a verbal or symbolic handle that people can refer to easily, identifying often requires more context about the environment or situation.
While identifying can often lead to new insights or deeper understanding about the subject, naming is essential for the simplicity and functionality of language.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To recognize or categorize based on characteristics.
To assign a label or title for identification.
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Process
Involves analysis, understanding, or diagnosis.
Involves choosing or creating a suitable label.
Context
Often used in scientific, investigatory, or academic fields.
Commonly used in everyday contexts, legally, or creatively.
Relation to Identity
Does not change the identity, but clarifies or reveals it.
Can define or influence the perceived identity.
Outcome
Understanding or clarity about what is being identified.
Ease of reference and communication.
Compare with Definitions
Identify
To recognize or distinguish from others.
She can identify the bird by its song.
Name
To give a specific title or designation.
They decided to name their daughter Emma.
Identify
To perceive or understand clearly.
He identified the key issues during the meeting.
Name
To appoint or nominate for a role.
She was named the chairperson of the committee.
Identify
To associate closely with something.
He identifies strongly with his cultural heritage.
Name
To cite or mention by title.
He named several poets during the lecture.
Identify
To establish the identity of someone or something.
The detective worked to identify the suspect in the lineup.
Name
To identify by a specific term.
The plant was named as an invasive species.
Identify
To diagnose or determine scientifically.
The lab technician identified the substance as benign.
Name
To make an accusation formally.
The whistleblower named top executives in the scandal.
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.
Name
A name is a term used for identification by an external observer. They can identify a class or category of things, or a single thing, either uniquely, or within a given context.
Identify
(Biology) To determine the taxonomic classification of (an organism).
Name
A word or set of words by which a person or thing is known, addressed, or referred to
My name is John Parsons
Köln is the German name for Cologne
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.
Name
A famous person
The big race will lure the top names
Identify
To consider as identical or united; equate
The Greek god Ares is identified with the Roman god Mars.
Name
(in the UK) an insurance underwriter belonging to a Lloyd's syndicate.
Identify
To associate or affiliate closely with
Writers who are identified with modernism.
Name
Give a name to
Hundreds of diseases had not yet been isolated or named
She decided to name the child Edward
Identify
To consider oneself as sharing certain characteristics or attitudes as another
She identifies strongly with her grandmother.
Name
Specify (a sum, time, or place) as something desired, suggested, or decided on
The club have asked United to name their price for the striker
Identify
To associate oneself with or admire something, such as a set of ideas
A language learner who identifies with a new culture.
Name
(of a person or product) having a well-known name
Specialized name brands geared to niche markets
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.
Name
A word or words by which an entity is designated and distinguished from others.
Identify
(transitive) To disclose the identity of someone.
The Associated Press will not identify the suspect of the crime because he is a juvenile.
Name
A word or group of words used to describe or evaluate, often disparagingly
Don't call me names.
Identify
To establish the taxonomic classification of an organism.
Name
Representation or repute, as opposed to reality
A democracy in name, a police state in fact.
Identify
(transitive) To equate or make the same; to unite or combine into one.
Name
A reputation
Has a bad name.
Identify
(reflexive) To have a strong affinity with; to feel oneself to be modelled on or connected to.
Name
A distinguished reputation
Made a name for himself as a drummer.
Identify
(intransitive) To associate oneself with some group; to feel, or believe one feels, the same way.
Name
An illustrious or outstanding person
Joined several famous names for a photograph.
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.
Name
To give a name to
Named the child after both grandparents.
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.
Name
To mention, specify, or cite by name
Named the primary colors.
Identify
To establish the identity of; to prove to be the same with something described, claimed, or asserted; as, to identify stolen property.
Name
To call by an epithet
Named them all cowards.
Identify
To become the same; to coalesce in interest, purpose, use, effect, etc.
Name
To nominate for or appoint to a duty, office, or honor.
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.
Name
To specify or fix
We need to name the time for our meeting.
Identify
Recognize as being; establish the identity of someone or something;
She identified the man on the 'wanted' poster
Name
Well-known by a name
A name performer.
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
Name
Any nounal word or phrase which indicates a particular person, place, class, or thing.
I've never liked the name my parents gave me so I changed it at the age of twenty.
What's your name?
Puddintane. Ask me again and I'll tell you the same.
Puddintane. Ask me again and I'll tell you the same.
Identify
Consider (oneself) as similar to somebody else;
He identified with the refugees
Name
Reputation.
Identify
Identify as in botany or biology, for example
Name
An abusive or insulting epithet.
Stop calling me names!
Identify
Consider to be equal or the same;
He identified his brother as one of the fugitives
Name
A person (or legal person).
Name
Those of a certain name; a race; a family.
Name
Authority; behalf.
Halt in the name of the law!
Name
(computing) A unique identifier, generally a string of characters.
Name
An investor in Lloyds of London bearing unlimited liability.
Name
Any of several types of true yam (Dioscorea) used in Caribbean Spanish cooking.
Name
(ditransitive) To give a name to.
One visitor named Hou Yugang said he was not too concerned about climate change and Baishui’s melting.
Name
(transitive) To mention, specify.
He named his demands.
You name it!
You have to pot the ball in the pocket you've named.
Name
(transitive) To identify as relevant or important
Naming the problem
Name
(transitive) To publicly implicate by name.
The painter was named as an accomplice.
Name
To disclose the name of.
Police are not naming the suspect as he is a minor.
Name
(transitive) To designate for a role.
My neighbor was named to the steering committee.
Name
To initiate a process to temporarily remove a member of parliament who is breaking the rules of conduct.
Name
The title by which any person or thing is known or designated; a distinctive specific appellation, whether of an individual or a class.
Whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
What's in a name? That which we call a roseBy any other name would smell as sweet.
Name
A descriptive or qualifying appellation given to a person or thing, on account of a character or acts.
His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Name
Reputed character; reputation, good or bad; estimation; fame; especially, illustrious character or fame; honorable estimation; distinction.
What men of name resort to him?
Far above . . . every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
I will get me a name and honor in the kingdom.
He hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin.
The king's army . . . had left no good name behind.
Name
Those of a certain name; a race; a family.
The ministers of the republic, mortal enemies of his name, came every day to pay their feigned civilities.
Name
A person, an individual.
They list with women each degenerate name.
Name
To give a distinctive name or appellation to; to entitle; to denominate; to style; to call.
She named the child Ichabod.
Thus was the building leftRidiculous, and the work Confusion named.
Name
To designate by name or specifically for any purpose; to nominate; to specify; to appoint; as, to name a day for the wedding; to name someone as ambassador.
Whom late you have named for consul.
Name
To designate (a member) by name, as the Speaker does by way of reprimand.
Name
A language unit by which a person or thing is known;
His name really is George Washington
Those are two names for the same thing
Name
By the sanction or authority of;
Halt in the name of the law
Name
A person's reputation;
He wanted to protect his good name
Name
A well-known or notable person;
They studied all the great names in the history of France
She is an important figure in modern music
Name
Family based on male descent;
He had no sons and there was no one to carry on his name
Name
A defamatory or abusive word or phrase;
Sticks and stones may break my bones but names can never hurt me
Name
Assign a specified, proper name to;
They named their son David
The new school was named after the famous Civil Rights leader
Name
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
Name
Charge with a function; charge to be;
She was named Head of the Committee
She was made president of the club
Name
Create and charge with a task or function;
Nominate a committee
Name
Mention and identify by name;
Name your accomplices!
Name
Identify as in botany or biology, for example
Name
Make reference to;
His name was mentioned in connection with the invention
Name
Give or make a list of; name individually; give the names of;
List the states west of the Mississippi
Name
Determine or distinguish the nature of a problem or an illness through a diagnostic analysis
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to identify something?
To identify something means to recognize and categorize it based on its characteristics.
Is naming important in everyday life?
Yes, naming is crucial for easy communication and reference in daily activities.
Can you identify something without naming it?
Yes, one can identify something by recognizing its characteristics without necessarily giving it a new name.
How does one typically name a new species?
A new species is typically named based on a set of naming conventions and often after its discoverer or a distinctive feature.
Does naming an emotion help in psychological therapy?
Yes, naming an emotion is a recognized therapeutic technique that helps in managing and understanding feelings better.
What are the implications of identifying a species in biology?
Identifying a species involves understanding its characteristics and placing it within the biological classification.
How does naming differ from identifying?
Naming is the act of assigning a label, whereas identifying involves recognizing or categorizing based on deeper analysis or understanding.
Can the process of identifying be subjective?
While identification ideally is objective, personal bias or varying interpretations can introduce subjectivity.
What role does naming play in branding?
In branding, naming is fundamental as it helps create a memorable identity and differentiation in the market.
How can identifying errors impact research?
Identifying errors in research can lead to incorrect conclusions and affect the credibility of the study.
What are the legal implications of naming someone in a public claim?
Legally, naming someone in a public claim can have implications for defamation if the information is false and damaging.
Why is it important to accurately identify symptoms in medicine?
Accurate identification of symptoms is crucial for diagnosis, treatment planning, and improving patient outcomes.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited 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.
