The correct spelling for the identification document commonly known as an "identity card" is /aɪˈdɛntəti kɑrd/. The phonetic transcription shows that the word contains five syllables, with the primary stress placed on the second syllable. The letter "i" in "identity" is pronounced as /aɪ/, while the letter "a" in "card" is pronounced as /ɑː/. It is essential to spell the word correctly as it is a crucial document that helps identify a person's nationality, name, and other personal details.
An identity card, often abbreviated as ID card, refers to an official document that verifies a person's personal information and serves as proof of their identity. It is typically issued by a governmental authority, such as a national or regional government, and provides identification details such as the individual's name, photograph, date of birth, and sometimes their residential address.
The primary purpose of an identity card is to allow individuals to establish their identity when needed for various official purposes. These may include voting in elections, opening a bank account, obtaining government benefits or services, traveling, or entering certain premises. In many countries, possessing an identity card is mandatory and failure to carry this card in public or present it upon request by authorities may result in legal consequences.
Identity cards are designed with security features, such as holograms, UV coatings, barcodes, or embedded chips to prevent forgery and protect against identity theft or fraudulent activities. These features enable authorities to verify the authenticity of the card and ensure that it accurately represents the person to whom it is issued.
While the specific format and information included on identity cards may vary across different jurisdictions, the overarching purpose remains consistent: to establish an individual's legal identity and provide a standardized means of identification that is widely recognized and accepted within the issuing country.
The term "identity card" is comprised of two separate words, each with its own etymology:
1. Identity: The word "identity" comes from the Latin word "identitas", which is derived from "idem" meaning "the same". It emerged in the English language in the 16th century with the sense of "the condition of being one's own person".
2. Card: The term "card" originated from the Old French word "carte", which was derived from the Latin word "charta" meaning "paper, card". It entered the English language in the 14th century and primarily referred to a piece of thick paper or cardboard used for various purposes.
When combined, "identity card" refers to a document or card that serves as proof of a person's identity.