identifiably
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪəbli/
US
- /aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪəbli/
Description
- recognizably
- in a way you can tell
- with clear signs
If something is identifiably a certain thing, it has signs that make it easy to tell what it is or where it comes from. A footprint in the snow might be identifiably from a bear, or a painting might be identifiably by Van Gogh, meaning its features are clear enough for people to make the connection.
The word is often used when something shows a clear identity or style. A voice on the phone might be identifiably your old friend, or a building might be identifiably Art Deco. It can also describe a clear change or quality, as when someone looks identifiably healthier after a long recovery.
To say that something is "identifiably" one thing means it can be recognized as that thing because it shows clear features, signs, or patterns. The word adds the idea that the connection is noticeable, not hidden. If a letter is identifiably written by a certain author, for example, the style gives that away. If a song is identifiably from a certain decade, it has the sound people connect with that time.
The word is often used for style, source, character, or change. A building can be identifiably Art Deco. A speaker can sound identifiably tired. A product can look identifiably different after a redesign. In each case, the point is that something about it makes recognition possible without much struggle.
It is also useful because it works in many settings. People use it for art, voices, behavior, design, mood, and even evidence. A face in a blurry photo may not be fully clear, but it could still be identifiably the same person if enough features match. That does not always mean absolute proof, but it does mean there is enough there for someone to tell.
So when you use "identifiably," you are stressing that the signs are clear enough to let someone recognize identity, source, or character. It is a precise way to say that something can be told apart or linked to what it really is.
Examples
- 1
Personal voice
Even on the phone, his voice was identifiably his.
Pattern
identifiably + possessive pronoun
clearly recognizable as belonging to that person
- 2
Food culture
The restaurant uses local ingredients, but the food is still identifiably Italian.
- 3
Artistic style
Her second album is softer and slower, yet it is identifiably her work.
Pattern
identifiably + someone's work
clearly showing that person's usual style
- 4
Community identity
The town has grown quickly, but it remains identifiably a fishing community.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- identifiablyadverb