Definition of: identity

(ī·den′tə·tē) noun plural ·ties
1. The state of being identical or absolutely the same; selfsameness.
2. Sameness of character or quality. Identity may be of two sorts: absolute, which involves exact equality with itself, or selfsameness, as the equation a = a; and relative, a less rigid sense, which implies a close material resemblance or similarity, as that of the green of two leaves.
3. The distinctive character belonging to an individual; personality; individuality.
4. The state of being what is asserted or described. [<LL identitás, -tatis <idem the same]