identification

The process of working out what something is or who someone is.

• This guide helps with bird identification.
• The photograph allowed identification of the missing child.
• Correct identification of wild mushrooms is essential.

How to use it: identification of someone/something (Identification of the plant took several days.)

Similar words: recognition

Common phrases: bird identification, identification of someone, correct identification, user identification

Finding out who someone is or what something is and checking that the answer is correct.

• The team made a positive identification.
• Identification of the owner required a check of official records.
• Further examination confirmed the identification of the species.

How to use it: identification of someone/something (The evidence allowed positive identification of the driver.)

Common phrases: positive identification, reliable identification, identification of someone