Definition Essay On Identity

In the world, there’s one word which has a vague and blurry definition: that being ‘identity’. This is quite fitting for the word because, just like its definition, an identity is a seemingly borderless explanation for which we describe places, things, others, and ourselves through discourse. Yet, even with such a large set of out-stretched divisions, many people have tried to put the word into a neat and tidy box. For example, Dicitionary.com describes identity as “the state or fact of remaining the same one or ones, as under varying aspects or conditions” (n.a., 2015). Merriam-Webster defines it as “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual” (n.a., 2015). And Oxforddictionaries.com states that it’s “the fact of being who

However, the interesting thing about all of them is that they are one of many divided aspects of identity. While they’re the number one selection on their sites, there are up to 10 more, each dealing with a contrasting realm. These definitions are too narrow, which is the problem behind them, they encompass little of our identities – it’s like shrinking a textbook down to a paragraph. Yet, they do bring up a sort of inquisition into what identity means to you as a person. They spark a sort of philosopher in yourself where you inspect identity down to its roots, forcing in-depth thinking. With this renewed curiosity, I have been able to pick it apart into five, slightly-vague ideas. The first is that it defines you, but not in a 2-dimensional way, instead it creates a 3D model based off of how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you. Second on the list is that your identity changes with time. Third, identity changes with experience in life – this goes somewhat hand in hand with time, but differs. Fourth is that identity is both internal and external; what you feel as opposed to what you express. And last, it’s shown through physical and characteristic traits. As a more concise definition, identity is “a complexity within things, people, and mainly ourselves; all described, felt, seen, heard, and