identico
Lemma: identico
Translation: identical; exact; same; very similar (adjective)
Etymology: From Late Latin 'identicus', derived from Latin 'idem' meaning 'the same'. It shares the same root as English 'identical' and 'identity'. The Latin 'idem' comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *i-de-, a compound of demonstrative *i- and the emphasizing particle *-de. This etymology reveals the core concept of 'sameness' or 'selfhood' that underlies both the Italian and English cognates.
Example Usage
I gemelli hanno un aspetto identico.
The twins have an identical appearance.
Ho comprato due telefoni identici.
I bought two identical phones.
La sua versione dei fatti è identica alla mia.
His version of the facts is identical to mine.
Questi documenti sono identici agli originali.
These documents are identical to the originals.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'identical' in English - they're almost identico!
- ID-entico: like checking two IDs and finding they match exactly.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Used in both everyday and formal contexts. In legal and scientific contexts, it has a precise meaning of 'exactly the same' with no differences whatsoever.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Identico' means 'exactly the same' while 'simile' means 'similar' but with possible differences.
Confused word:
Queste due chiavi sono simili.
These two keys are similar.
Notes: 'Identico' implies no differences at all, while 'simile' acknowledges similarities but allows for differences.
Mnemonic: 'Identico' shares more letters with 'identical' than 'simile' does with 'similar'.
Explanation: 'Identico' means 'exactly the same as something else' while 'unico' means 'unique' or 'one of a kind'.
Confused word:
Questo vestito è unico.
This dress is unique.
Notes: These words represent opposite concepts: 'identico' refers to sameness, while 'unico' refers to uniqueness.
Mnemonic: 'Unico' sounds like 'unique' which is the opposite of being identical to something else.