identify

Definition of identify

To recognize or establish what something is

Synonyms for identify

• recognize
• determine
• detect

identify in a Sentence

1. Researchers need to identify the causes of the decline in bee populations.

Why identify Matters for GRE & SAT

"identify" is a verb that means "To recognize or establish what something is" closely related to words like "recognize", "determine", "detect". As a word starting with I, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.

On the GRE, understanding "identify" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "identify" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.

Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (verb). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "identify" into long-term memory.

How to Remember identify

One effective way to remember "identify" (verb) is to group it with similar words you already know: "recognize" and "determine" and "detect". When you encounter "identify" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "To recognize or establish what something is".

Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "identify" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.

Related Words

• iconoclastic — challenging or overthrowing tradition or established beliefs
• ideologue — a person who advocates an ideology
• ideology — A system of ideas and ideals forming the basis of a theory
• idiosyncratic — peculiar to an individual or group; unique

More Vocabulary Words Starting with I

• iconoclastic — challenging or overthrowing tradition or established beliefs
• iconoclastic — challenging or overthrowing tradition or established beliefs
• identify — To recognize or be able to name someone or something
• identify — To recognize or be able to name someone or something
• identify — To recognize or establish what something is
• ideologue — a person who advocates an ideology
• ideologue — a person who advocates an ideology
• ideology — A system of ideas and ideals forming the basis of a theory
• ideology — A system of ideas and ideals forming the basis of a theory
• idiosyncratic — peculiar to an individual or group; unique

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