Spanish word

identificar

Pronunciation

IPA/iðentifiˈkaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbtell apart

Example

No puedo identificar ese sabor.

I can't tell that flavor apart.

Illustration for identificar (tell apart)

More examples

Las huellas permitieron identificar al sospechoso.

The footprints made it possible to identify the suspect.

Core concept

Comparing a face to an ID photo.

Common phrases

  • identificar a una persona

    recognize a person

  • identificar un problema

    pinpoint a problem

  • identificar la causa

    determine the cause

Similar words

reconocer: Recognizes someone or something based on memory or a familiar look.
distinguir: Differentiates nearly identical items by noting telling differences.
detectar: Spots tiny signs or shifts that indicate something hidden or new.
averiguar: Uncovers facts or reasons through research and verification.

Definition in Spanish

Determinar o comprobar quién o qué es una persona, objeto o cosa concreta a partir de rasgos, señales o información.

Word origin

Spanish identificar comes from Late Latin identificare (identitas 'sameness' + -ficare 'to make') and means to make or establish identity.

Usage tips

  • Use identificar when emphasizing determining or proving someone's or something's identity, prefer reconocer for casual recognition, and use the personal a before a person (identificar a alguien).

Other meanings

  • recognizeverb
  • identifyverb

Opposites

Related words

  • identificaciónidentificationnoun
  • identificablerecognizableadjective
  • identificadoidentifiedadjective

Word lists with this word