Characterize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ญ
characterize
[หkรฆr.ษk.tษ.raษชz ]
Definitions
behavior
Describe the distinctive nature or features of someone or something.
Synonyms
depict, describe, illustrate, portray, represent.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| characterize |
Used to highlight the main qualities or features of someone or something, often to explain differences or uniqueness.
|
| describe |
Commonly used in everyday language to provide a detailed account or explanation of someone or something.
|
| depict |
Best used in artistic or descriptive contexts, when showing or illustrating something in a vivid or detailed manner, often through visual representation.
|
| portray |
Typically used in artistic contexts, such as movies, books, or performances, to show or depict someone or something in a specific way, often with a focus on the overall impression.
|
| represent |
Used to stand in for or symbolize something, often in a formal or symbolic context.
|
| illustrate |
Often used when visual aids or examples are given to explain or clarify something.
|
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.
distinguishing quality
Be a typical feature or trait of someone or something.
Synonyms
embody, exemplify, reflect, represent, typify.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| characterize |
Used when describing the distinctive features or qualities of someone or something.
|
| typify |
Used to describe someone or something as a perfect example or most representative instance of a certain quality or group.
|
| represent |
Used to indicate that something stands for or symbolizes a particular idea or quality.
|
| embody |
Used to express the idea of something representing a particular quality or idea in a clear and definite form.
|
| exemplify |
Used when providing an example of something, often to illustrate or clarify a concept.
|
| reflect |
Used to suggest that something shows, indicates, or mirrors certain qualities or conditions.
|
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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychology, characterizing a person can help in understanding their behavior patterns and tendencies.
- It plays a crucial role in personality assessments, aiding in identifying strengths and weaknesses.
- Character traits are often analyzed in therapy to help individuals understand their reactions and actions.
Literature
- Authors use characterization to create depth in characters, making them relatable and believable.
- There are two main methods of characterization: 'direct,' where the author tells the audience about a character, and 'indirect,' where the audience infers traits from actions and dialogue.
- Famous literary critics emphasize that effective characterization is essential for gripping storytelling.
Art
- In visual arts, artists characterize subjects through stylistic elements, colors, and textures, communicating emotions or themes.
- Certain artists, like Picasso, are known for their distinctive characteristic styles that define various movements.
- Characterization in art extends to how subjects are portrayed, influencing viewers' interpretations.
Pop Culture
- In movies, how characters are characterized can significantly influence audience connections and engagement.
- Television shows often rely on well-defined characters to develop plots and maintain viewer interest.
- Comics and graphic novels often depend on exaggerated character traits to quickly communicate personality.
Origin of 'characterize'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek word 'charaktฤr', meaning a stamp or a mark.
- It entered the English language in the late 16th century, evolving to imply describing traits or features.
- Originally used in contexts involving defining relationships between objects or beings in literature and philosophy.
The word 'characterize' originated from the Greek word 'kharaktฤr', 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.
See also: character, characteristic, characteristically, characteristics, characterizable, characterization, characters, uncharacteristically.