What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Classified vs Identified - What's the difference?

classified | identified |

As verbs the difference between classified and identified

is that classified is (classify) while identified is (identify).

As an adjective classified

is formally assigned by a government to one of several levels of sensitivity, usually (in english) top secret, secret, confidential, and, in some countries, restricted; thereby making disclosure to unauthorized persons illegal.

As a noun classified

is (informal) a classified advertisement in a newspaper or magazine.

classified

English

Etymology 1

Verb

(head)
  • (classify)
  • Make sure all the field observations are classified by species.

    Adjective

    (classified information) (en adjective)
  • Formally assigned by a government to one of several levels of sensitivity, usually (in English) top secret, secret, confidential, and, in some countries, restricted; thereby making disclosure to unauthorized persons illegal.
  • We do not discuss specific interrogation techniques because they are classified information.
  • Not meant to be disclosed by a person or organization.
  • I won't say who I'm going to the prom with; that's classified .

    Etymology 2

    (Classified advertising) From , by shortening.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (informal) A classified advertisement in a newspaper or magazine.
  • He ran a classified for the tools he wanted to sell.

    identified

    English

    Verb

    (head)
  • (identify)

  • identify

    English

    Verb

  • To establish the identity of someone or something.
  • *
  • (biology) To establish the taxonomic classification of an organism.
  • *
  • To equate or make the same; to unite or combine into one.
  • * D. Ramsay
  • Every precaution is taken to identify the interests of the people and of the rulers.
  • * Burke
  • Let us identify , let us incorporate ourselves with the people.
  • (reflexive) To have a strong affinity (with); to feel oneself to be modelled on or connected to.
  • * 1999 , Joyce Crick, translating Sigmund Freud, The Interpretation of Dreams , Oxford 2008, p. 117:
  • The dream is given a new interpretation if in her dream she means not herself but her friend, if she has put herself in the place of her friend, or, as we may say, she has identified herself with her.
  • To associate oneself with some group.
  • *
  • To claim an identity; to describe oneself as a member of a group; to assert the use of a particular term to describe oneself.
  • * {{quote-magazine
  • , year=2010 , author= , title=Youth Who Self-Identify as Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual at Higher Suicide Risk, Say Researchers , date=Feb. 6, 2010 , magazine=Science Daily citation , passage="The main message is that it's the interface between individuals and society that causes students who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual the most distress," said study first author Yue Zhao. }}

    Synonyms

    * to ID