id
id — verb
1. to tell an official, such as a police officer, who a specific person or a dead b
to tell an official, such as a police officer, who a specific person or a dead body is — by looking at them and stating their name for the record
The police asked Minho to id the man he saw running from the store.
id + [witnessed person] for authority
Élise was the only family member who could id the victim at the hospital.
id + [victim/body] at a location
The witness id'd the suspect from a line-up at the police station.
simple past: id'd [person] from [evidence]
Tunde could not id the thief because the streetlight was broken.
negative: could not id [person]
A neighbour was brought to the station to id the man caught on camera.
passive: be brought to id [person]
- id a suspect
- id a victim
- id a body
- id a witness
- id from a photograph
- id from a line-up
- id from a description
Grammar Patterns
id + [person/body]
id + [person/body] + from + [evidence]
be id'd + by + [authority figure]
Usage Note
Almost always appears in law enforcement or legal contexts. The past tense is often written as 'id'd' or 'ID'd' in informal writing. The person being identified is typically a suspect, a witness, or a deceased person.
Common Mistakes
2. to ask someone to show an official document, like a driver's license or a passpo
to ask someone to show an official document, like a driver's license or a passport, that confirms their identity or age
The security guard asked Quinn to id herself before entering the building.
id + [oneself/reflexive] at entrance
The bartender always ids customers who look like they are under thirty.
id + [customer] for age verification
You have to id yourself at the front desk before they give you a visitor pass.
modal: have to id + [oneself] for access
Ari tried to buy a lottery ticket, but the cashier id'd him first.
simple past: id'd [person] before transaction
Lakan was id'd at the airport checkpoint before boarding the flight.
passive: be id'd at [location]
- id a customer
- id a visitor
- id a passenger
- id a patron
- id at the door
- id at the counter
- id at the checkpoint
Grammar Patterns
id + [person]
id + [oneself]
be id'd + by + [authority figure]
Usage Note
Common in situations where age or identity must be verified before a service is provided, such as buying alcohol, entering a secure building, or boarding a flight. The subject is typically a person in authority such as a security guard, bartender, cashier, or police officer.
Common Mistakes
id — noun
1. in psychoanalytic theory, the most primitive area of the mind, active from birth
in psychoanalytic theory, the most primitive area of the mind, active from birth, that drives basic needs and impulses like wanting food, expressing rage, and seeking pleasure, without concern for morality
A hungry baby who cries immediately is showing the id at work.
uncountable: always 'the id'
Rafael's therapist helped him see how his id drove many of his impulsive choices.
subject: the id drives actions/choices
According to Freud, the id operates on the pleasure principle and wants instant satisfaction.
The conflict between the id and the superego shapes much of a person's character.
collocation: id vs superego / id vs ego
In her psychology textbook, Layla read that the id is completely unconscious.
- the id
- id drives
- id impulses
- id and superego
- id and ego
- superego
the part of the mind that represents moral standards and self-criticism, opposed to the id's raw impulses
Grammar Patterns
the + id
Usage Note
Almost always used with the definite article 'the'. This is a specialized term from psychoanalysis and is rarely used in everyday conversation outside of psychology or academic contexts.
Common Mistakes
2. a card, official paper, or number that serves as proof of a person's identity, t
a card, official paper, or number that serves as proof of a person's identity, typically bearing their photo and full name
Ayesha showed her student ID at the library counter to borrow books.
countable noun: student ID
The security guard asked Joshua for ID before letting him into the building.
uncountable use: 'for ID' / 'ask for ID'
You need a valid photo ID to open a bank account in most countries.
common collocation: photo ID
Pim forgot his ID card at home and could not pick up the package.
collocation: ID card
The club requires everyone over eighteen to carry a government-issued ID.
- show your ID
- present ID
- check ID
- photo ID
- student ID
- valid ID
- government-issued ID
- ID card
- ID number
- identification
the full form of 'ID'; more formal but means the same thing
- ID card
slightly more specific — refers only to a physical card, not a document or number
- credentials
more formal and broader, can include qualifications and letters of introduction
Grammar Patterns
possessive + ID
ID + noun (card, number, photo)
an + ID
Usage Note
Can be countable ('an ID', 'two IDs') referring to the physical card, or uncountable ('Do you have ID?') referring to proof of identity in general. Common in compound nouns: 'ID card', 'ID number', 'photo ID'.
Common Mistakes
3. the USPS two-letter code that replaces 'Idaho' in mailing addresses, placed afte
the USPS two-letter code that replaces 'Idaho' in mailing addresses, placed after a city name
Please mail the documents to 210 Pine Street, Boise, ID 83702.
address format: city + ID + ZIP code
The farm supply store is located at 458 Valley Road, Twin Falls, ID 83301.
Yuki moved from Seattle to a small town in ID to work on a farm.
The music festival takes place every August in Coeur d'Alene, ID.
used after city name in sentences
- Idaho
the full name of the state; used in speech and formal writing
Grammar Patterns
city + ID + ZIP code
Usage Note
This is a standard USPS two-letter postal abbreviation. It should appear after the city name, separated by a comma, and before the ZIP code (no comma between ID and ZIP code). Typically only used in written addresses, not spoken language.
Common Mistakes
id — abbreviation
1. A Latin abbreviation used in footnotes, endnotes, and bibliographies to refer to
A Latin abbreviation used in footnotes, endnotes, and bibliographies to refer to the same author, work, or source that was just cited in the previous reference.
Élise checked the footnote which read 'Id., p. 45,' confirming the same source.
Id. used in footnotes to refer to the same source
The professor told the class to write 'Id.' when repeating the same citation.
In legal documents, 'Id.' saves space by pointing back to the previous reference.
Id. saves space in legal or academic writing
The judge's opinion cited Id. three times to support the same legal argument.
2. The written postal abbreviation for the US state of Idaho, used in addresses on
The written postal abbreviation for the US state of Idaho, used in addresses on envelopes, forms, and shipping labels.
Please mail the documents to Boise, ID 83702 before the Friday deadline.
ID after city name in US mailing addresses
Christopher updated his address to 'Twin Falls, ID' after moving to the new house.
The package was sent to Moscow, ID, but arrived at the wrong post office.
My cousin lives in Coeur d'Alene, ID, and drives two hours to work each day.
3. A document, card, or piece of information that proves who a person is, such as a
A document, card, or piece of information that proves who a person is, such as a driver's license, passport, or student card. Often written simply as ID.
The security guard asked Hyun for his ID before letting him into the office.
ask for ID to verify someone's identity
Ava forgot her ID at home and could not collect her package from the counter.
You must show a valid photo ID when you check in at the airport counter.
valid photo ID required for travel or entry
Mira handed her ID to the librarian to check out three books for the weekend.
Usage Note
Often used without a period ('ID') in everyday contexts such as ID card, photo ID, or student ID. The abbreviation is treated as a countable noun — you can say 'an ID' or 'two IDs.'
4. A person or business that sells a company's products to customers without being
A person or business that sells a company's products to customers without being a direct employee of that company, often earning commission on sales.
Élise works as an ID for a company that sells organic skincare products.
works as an ID — independent distributor role
The brand's ID network has grown to over two hundred sellers in five cities.
Yasmin became an ID for a vitamin company and sells to her neighbors and friends.
The company trained fifty new IDs last month to expand its sales in rural areas.
Usage Note
Primarily used in the context of multi-level marketing or direct sales. The full phrase 'independent distributor' is more common in formal contracts and documentation.
5. The professional practice of designing the shape, appearance, and usability of m
The professional practice of designing the shape, appearance, and usability of manufactured products, from furniture and electronics to vehicles and packaging.
The new chair won an award for its innovative ID and comfortable shape.
ID award for excellence in industrial design
Ziad studied ID at university and now designs kitchen appliances for a firm.
Mayumi chose to study ID because she wanted to make everyday objects better.
The smartphone's ID team worked closely with engineers to fit all the parts inside.
Usage Note
Often appears as a field of study ('a degree in ID') or a corporate department ('the ID team'). Distinguished from graphic design by its focus on three-dimensional physical products.
6. The measurement of the distance across the hollow interior of a tube, pipe, cyli
The measurement of the distance across the hollow interior of a tube, pipe, cylinder, or ring, taken from one inner edge to the opposite inner edge.
The plumber measured the pipe's ID at exactly four centimeters across its opening.
pipe ID measured in engineering or plumbing contexts
You need to check the inner diameter of the tube before buying the fitting.
The engineer recorded an ID of six millimeters for the small brass cylinder.
Vivek checked the ID of the nozzle before attaching it to the garden hose.
Usage Note
Often contrasted with OD (outside diameter) on technical drawings and product specifications. The ID determines what size of connector or fitting can be inserted into the opening.
7. a written abbreviation meaning the measurements of the space inside an object, s
a written abbreviation meaning the measurements of the space inside an object, such as its length, width, or height.
The packing slip shows the ID of the box as 55 cm by 40 cm by 30 cm.
ID = inside dimensions on product specs
Romi measured the ID of the closet before buying storage bins.
The furniture manual lists both the outer size and the ID of each drawer.
contrasted with outer size / outer dimensions
Hao checked the ID of the suitcase before packing for his trip.
Usage Note
Commonly seen on product specifications, shipping labels, and furniture assembly instructions. Distinguished from abbreviation sense 6 (inside diameter), which refers only to the width of a circular opening.
8. a written abbreviation for intellectual disability — a condition that limits a p
a written abbreviation for intellectual disability — a condition that limits a person's ability to learn, solve problems, and manage everyday tasks.
The clinic offers vocational training programs for adults with ID.
ID = intellectual disability in medical contexts
Dr. Niran has worked with children who have ID for over fifteen years.
The new school policy improves classroom support for students with ID.
collocation: support / program / services for students with ID
Sophia volunteers at a summer camp for teenagers with ID every year.
- intellectual disability
the full form; more formal and clearer in medical writing
- cognitive disability
a broader term that also covers conditions like traumatic brain injury
Usage Note
Considered a neutral clinical term in medical and educational settings. More specific than general terms like 'learning difficulties.' Avoid using as a casual label.
Common Mistakes
9. a written abbreviation for intelligence department — a branch of a government or
a written abbreviation for intelligence department — a branch of a government or military organization that collects and studies secret information.
The ID issued a warning about suspicious activity near the port.
ID = intelligence department in government context
Rachid works as an analyst for a military ID in the capital.
The ID shared its findings with police agencies across the region.
collocation: ID + verb (issued / shared / reported)
A spokesperson for the ID refused to comment on the report.
Usage Note
Often capitalized as ID. In many countries, the full name of the department is used rather than the abbreviation. More common in historical or fictional contexts than in official modern titles.
id — noun suffix
1. a suffix used to form nouns that refer to a person who belongs to a particular d
a suffix used to form nouns that refer to a person who belongs to a particular dynasty or ruling family, usually based on the name of the dynasty's founder or the ruling clan
The Abbasid dynasty ruled much of the Islamic world from Baghdad for over five centuries.
suffix attached to dynasty founder's name (Abbas)
Fatimid rulers established a powerful caliphate that stretched across North Africa and into Egypt.
Scholars of Umayyad history study the early Islamic administrative systems developed in Damascus.
suffix attached to clan name (Umayya)
Sassanid rulers built a vast empire in Persia that lasted more than four hundred years.
- -id dynasty
- -id caliphate
- -id rulers
- -id period
Grammar Patterns
[dynasty/founder name] + -id
Usage Note
Commonly appears in historical texts about medieval Islamic, Persian, and Greek dynasties. The base word is typically the name of an ancestor or founder. Frequently used by historians but rare in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
2. a suffix used to form nouns that name a meteor shower whose radiant point lies i
a suffix used to form nouns that name a meteor shower whose radiant point lies in a specific constellation, or a single meteor that appears to come from a specific comet
Every August, the Perseid meteor shower lights up the night sky with dozens of bright streaks per hour.
suffix attached to constellation name (Perseus)
The Leonid shower occurs each November when Earth passes through debris left by Comet Tempel-Tuttle.
suffix attached to constellation name (Leo)
Emre set up his camera on a hilltop to capture images of the Geminid meteors in December.
Meera watched the Orionid meteors streak across the sky just before the first light of dawn.
suffix attached to constellation name (Orion)
- -id meteor shower
- -id meteors
- -id shower peaks
- watch the -ids
- meteor
general term for any space rock burning up in Earth's atmosphere; -id specifies which constellation the meteor radiates from
- shooting star
informal term for any meteor; -id is more precise and technical
Grammar Patterns
[constellation/comet name] + -id
Usage Note
The base word is the Latin genitive form of a constellation name (e.g., Perseus → Perseid, Leo → Leonid, Gemini → Geminid). Can refer either to the meteor shower as a whole or to an individual meteor within it. Most commonly used by astronomers and amateur stargazers.
Common Mistakes
3. a suffix used in scientific terminology to form nouns that name a small structur
a suffix used in scientific terminology to form nouns that name a small structural body, particle, or subunit within a living cell or organism
Each chromatid is a copy of a chromosome formed during the DNA replication stage of cell division.
suffix indicating a structural subunit (chromatid = subunit of chromosome)
Under a microscope, Indra could identify the paired chromatids just before the cell began to split.
The term "chromatid" comes from the Greek word for colour, since these structures stain easily in the lab.
suffix attached to Greek-derived base (chromat- meaning colour)
A single chromatid per chromosome means the cell has not yet copied its DNA for division.
- sister chromatid
- chromatid separation
- chromatid pair
- chromatid structure
Grammar Patterns
[base noun] + -id
Usage Note
Almost exclusively used in technical biological and medical writing. The base word is usually derived from Greek or Latin roots (e.g., chroma- 'colour' → chromatid). Unlike senses 1 and 2, this sense does not attach to proper nouns.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- identifyverbB1
- identificationnounB1
- identitynounB1
- identifiernounB2
- identifiableadjectiveB2
- unidentifiedadjectiveB1
- ID cardnoun phraseA2
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/2
ID is the most common everyday shortening of 'identification' — you show your ID at a bar or security checkpoint. 'Identification' is the full form and sounds more formal and official; it is preferred on forms and in legal contexts ('proof of identification'). 'ID card' specifies a physical card (driver's license, student card) rather than other forms like a passport or digital ID. 'Credentials' is the broadest term: it includes ID cards plus qualifications, degrees, and letters of introduction that prove a person's authority or eligibility. For daily use, 'ID' is the most natural choice; for formal paperwork, use 'identification' or 'identification document'; for professional or academic settings where authority matters, use 'credentials'.
Etymology
The word 'id' enters English through several independent routes. The abbreviation (meaning 'the same' in citations) comes directly from Latin 'idem' ('the same'). The psychoanalytic noun was coined in the early 20th century to translate Freud's German 'das Es' ('the it'), using Latin 'id' ('it') as a learned borrowing. The noun suffix '-id' (as in Abbasid, Perseid) comes from Greek '-idēs' ('son of, descendant of'), passing through Latin '-ides'. The common abbreviation 'ID' for 'identification' and 'identity' is a mid-20th-century shortening. The verb 'id' (to identify or request identification) is a back-formation from the noun 'ID' / 'ID card'. The postal abbreviation for Idaho follows the standard USPS two-letter code system introduced in 1963.