Characterize: meaning, definitions and examples

🎭

Add to dictionary

characterize

[ ˈkær.ək.tə.raɪz ]

^{Context #1}

behavior

Describe the distinctive nature or features of someone or something.

Synonyms

depict, describe, illustrate, portray, represent

Examples of usage

He is characterized by his kindness and generosity.
The city is characterized by its vibrant arts scene.
Her novels are characterized by strong female protagonists.
The film is characterized by its fast-paced action sequences.
The new policy is characterized by its focus on sustainability.

^{Context #2}

distinguishing quality

Be a typical feature or trait of someone or something.

Synonyms

embody, exemplify, reflect, represent, typify

Examples of usage

Attention to detail characterizes her work.
His sense of humor characterizes his personality.
Optimism characterizes her outlook on life.
Hard work and dedication characterize his approach to his career.
Curiosity and creativity characterize her artistic process.

Translations

Translations of the word "characterize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caracterizar

🇮🇳 विशेषता बताना

🇩🇪 charakterisieren

🇮🇩 mengkarakterisasi

🇺🇦 характеризувати

🇵🇱 charakteryzować

🇯🇵 特徴づける (tokuchōzuke-ru)

🇫🇷 caractériser

🇪🇸 caracterizar

🇹🇷 tanımlamak

🇰🇷 특징짓다 (teukjingjitta)

🇸🇦 وصف

🇨🇿 charakterizovat

🇸🇰 charakterizovať

🇨🇳 描述 (miáoshù)

🇸🇮 značilnosti

🇮🇸 einkenna

🇰🇿 сипаттау

🇬🇪 დახასიათება

🇦🇿 xarakterizə etmək

🇲🇽 caracterizar

Word origin

The word 'characterize' originated from the Greek word 'kharaktēr', which originally meant a stamping tool. Over time, it evolved to refer to the distinctive mark or quality of something. In English, 'characterize' first appeared in the 17th century, with its current meaning of describing the distinctive features of someone or something.