positive identification
8
4.8
- noun
- /ˈpɒzɪtɪv ˌaɪdɛntɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
- Formal
:
identificación positiva
- Therefore, a positive identification of the presence of DNA or RNA would be a strong indicator for the presence of life or viruses.
So finally gets down to like positive identification, definitely there forces trained.
- So finally gets down to like positive identification, definitely there forces trained.
Examples
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We're still awaiting positive identification of the body.
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We'll establish a positive identification first.
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Might help us get a positive identification.
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And if you did make a positive identification, what would that prove?
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I'll give you a positive identification.
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Now they've made a positive identification of it.
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They made a positive identification.
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Without a positive identification, I can't take him in front of a medical review board, can I?
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His affidavit states this surveillance video is of such low definition, no positive identification can be made of the killer.
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The police successfully obtained a positive identification of the suspect from the eyewitness.
Synonyms
618
2.9
An official card that shows who you are for security or age checks
1
2.7
A document that shows who you are, like a passport or driver's licence
1
3.6
A process of checking documents or fingerprints to confirm someone really is who they say they are
A card like a badge that shows who you are and proves your age or job
Antonyms
- Specialized
A way to show someone is not one of the known people so they cannot make multiple accounts
How Accurate
- Formal
8
4.8
- Specialized
1
4.1
- Specialized
1
5.3
- Specialized
- Specialized
1
3.6
- Specialized
2
3.1
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'definitive confirmation of identity' follows directly from 'positive' (certain/definitive) modifying 'identification' (evidence of who someone is). This is a straightforward adjective + noun composition, with only a slightly more formal/technical register, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Positive identification may come from police and court work where an officer looks at a person or a photo and says the match is positive, meaning 'certain', giving a clear identification. That's why the phrase now means a definite, proven match to someone's identity.