Characteristics Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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characteristics
[หker-ษk-tษ-หri-stiks ]
Definitions
personality traits
Characteristics are the qualities or features that distinguish one person or thing from another. These can include physical attributes, behavior patterns, or emotional tendencies.
Synonyms
attributes, qualities, traits.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| characteristics |
Used when describing features or aspects that are typical of a person, group, or thing.
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| attributes |
Often used in a more formal context to describe inherent qualities or features, especially in technical or academic discussions.
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| traits |
Primarily used to refer to specific characteristics, typically associated with people's personalities or genetics.
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| qualities |
Usually refers to positive aspects or features and often focuses on the subjective or intrinsic value.
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Examples of usage
- He has many positive characteristics such as kindness and empathy.
- One of the characteristics of a good leader is the ability to communicate effectively.
- Her artistic characteristics are evident in her paintings.
- The characteristics of a diamond include hardness and clarity.
- Each individual has their own unique characteristics.
scientific description
In science, characteristics refer to the distinguishing traits or properties of an organism or object that can be observed or measured. These characteristics are often used for classification or identification purposes.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| characteristics |
Used to describe qualities or properties that define something or someone, often in a general sense.
|
| features |
Refers to distinctive or prominent parts or aspects of something, often used for physical or noticeable aspects; commonly used in marketing, product descriptions, and technical specifications.
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| attributes |
Usually refers to qualities or aspects that are considered inherent or intrinsic to someone or something. Often used in formal or technical contexts.
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| traits |
Typically used to describe personality qualities or characteristics of living beings, especially in biological or psychological contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The genetic characteristics of a species determine its physical appearance.
- The characteristics of a chemical compound can be analyzed in a laboratory.
- Scientists study the characteristics of different ecosystems to understand their biodiversity.
- Understanding the characteristics of a material is essential for its practical applications.
- The diagnostic characteristics of a disease help doctors make accurate diagnoses.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychology, characteristics help to build a person's personality and can influence behavior and decision-making.
- Some characteristics are considered stable over time, while others can change based on experiences or environments.
Biology
- In biology, characteristics can refer to traits passed from parents to offspring, such as eye color or height, influenced by genetics.
- Studying characteristics of plants and animals helps scientists understand evolution and adaptation.
Literature
- In literature, authors use characteristics to develop their characters, making them relatable and enhancing storytelling.
- Traits of a protagonist often define their journey and struggles throughout a narrative.
Cultural Representation
- Certain characteristics are often celebrated or stereotyped in different cultures, leading to various perceptions of identity.
- Cultural expressions such as fashion, music, and art influence the characteristics that are valued within that culture.
Origin of 'characteristics'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'charaktฤr', which means 'a stamp or imprint' and reflects how characteristics leave a mark on identity.
- Originally used in ancient texts, it described traits and features of characters in stories and plays.
The word 'characteristics' originated from the Middle French word 'caractรฉristique' and the Latin word 'characteristicus', both of which mean 'a distinguishing feature'. The concept of characteristics has been fundamental in fields such as philosophy, psychology, and biology, where the study of distinguishing traits plays a crucial role in understanding individuals, organisms, and objects.
See also: character, characteristic, characteristically, characterizable, characterization, characterize, characters, uncharacteristically.