The term “identity” comes from the Latin word “identitas,” which means “sameness” or “the quality of being identical.” This is derived from the Latin word “idem,” meaning “the same.”
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “*i-dhe-” means “to see” or “to recognize,” related to the concept of sameness or identity.
2. Latin
From the PIE root, the Latin word “idem” developed, meaning “the same.” The noun “identitas” is formed by combining “idem” with the suffix “-itas,” which denotes a state or quality, thus meaning “sameness” or “identity.”
3. Old French (c. 9th to 14th century CE)
The Latin term “identitas” evolved into Old French “identité,” meaning “sameness” or “individuality.”
4. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
The Old French “identité” was adopted into Middle English as “identite,” meaning “sameness” or “the state of being a specific person or thing.”
5. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
The term “identity” evolved into its current form and pronunciation, retaining the meaning of “the fact of being who or what a person or thing is.”
Phonetic Evolution
Over time, the pronunciation of “identity” has remained relatively stable, transitioning from Old French “identité” to Modern English “identity.”
Usage Examples
- “She struggled with her identity during her teenage years.”
- “Another example of ‘identity’ in a sentence is ‘The police confirmed the identity of the suspect.'”
Cultural or Historical Notes
The development of the word “identity” was significantly influenced by the need to describe the uniqueness of individuals and the concept of self in various contexts, such as psychology, sociology, and legal matters.
The word “identity” reflects the importance of uniqueness and individual characteristics, emphasizing the role of personal and social identity in human interactions, self-perception, and cultural development.