What does identic mean?
Identic is a formal adjective meaning the same, identical, or indistinguishable. It may describe objects, substances, impressions, results, or other things that share the same form, nature, quality, or effect. Its sound and construction are familiar because it belongs to the same word family as “identical,” “identity,” and “identify,” but it is much less common than those related terms. In most modern English, a writer or speaker would choose “identical” as the clear and natural option. “Identic” can still be useful in technical, historical, literary, or otherwise formal contexts where its brevity and slightly uncommon character are appropriate. It is not a separate meaning of “identical”; rather, it functions as a synonym with a relatively restricted register.
adjectiveIdentical means the same, especially in form, nature, or effect. It is a formal and relatively uncommon alternative to the more usual word “identical.”
- Identic means the same or identical, especially in form, nature, or effect.
"The two impressions are so identic that they appear to have been made by the same instrument."
"The two samples produced identic results in every trial."
"For decades, historians regarded the two manuscripts as identic, although later analysis revealed small differences."
Identic is a formal alternative to “identical” that is more often encountered in specialised writing than in everyday speech.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does identic come from?
Identic belongs to the English family of “identity,” “identify,” and “identical.” These words ultimately derive from Latin idem, meaning “the same,” through the related Latin noun identitas, meaning “sameness” or “identity.” English developed several derivatives from this root, with “identic” serving as a formal variant of the more common “identical.”
Related word forms
How identic is actually used
Identic is formal, literary, and uncommon in contemporary English. Standard speakers will usually use “identical” instead. It is not restricted to either British or American English.
Easily confused with identic
“Identic” is a rare formal synonym of “identical,” whereas “identical” is the standard, widely used adjective.
“Identic” is an adjective describing things as being the same, while “identity” is a noun referring to sameness or to a person’s or thing’s distinct character.