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Characterize: meaning, definitions and examples

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characterize

 

[ˈkær.ək.tə.raɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

behavior

Describe the distinctive nature or features of someone or something.

Synonyms

depict, describe, illustrate, portray, represent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
characterize

Used to highlight the main qualities or features of someone or something, often to explain differences or uniqueness.

  • She is characterized by her boundless energy and enthusiasm
  • The region is characterized by its dense forests and diverse wildlife
describe

Commonly used in everyday language to provide a detailed account or explanation of someone or something.

  • Can you describe what happened at the meeting? The witness described the suspect to the police
depict

Best used in artistic or descriptive contexts, when showing or illustrating something in a vivid or detailed manner, often through visual representation.

  • The painting depicts a serene landscape
  • The novel vividly depicts the struggles of the protagonist
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.

  • The actor portrays a brave soldier in the film
  • The biography portrays the politician as a dedicated leader
represent

Used to stand in for or symbolize something, often in a formal or symbolic context.

  • The dove represents peace
  • The lawyer represented the client in court
illustrate

Often used when visual aids or examples are given to explain or clarify something.

  • The teacher used diagrams to illustrate complex concepts
  • The book is well-illustrated, making it easier to understand

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 | Verb

distinguishing quality

Be a typical feature or trait of someone or something.

Synonyms

embody, exemplify, reflect, represent, typify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
characterize

Used when describing the distinctive features or qualities of someone or something.

  • The artist's work is characterized by bright colors and bold lines.
  • She is characterized by her kindness and generosity.
typify

Used to describe someone or something as a perfect example or most representative instance of a certain quality or group.

  • His leadership style typifies the best in collaborative management.
  • This behavior typifies the arrogance of the elite.
represent

Used to indicate that something stands for or symbolizes a particular idea or quality.

  • The flag represents the country's independence.
  • This painting represents the artist's journey through grief.
embody

Used to express the idea of something representing a particular quality or idea in a clear and definite form.

  • He embodies the spirit of the 1960s.
  • The statue embodies the ideals of freedom and justice.
exemplify

Used when providing an example of something, often to illustrate or clarify a concept.

  • Her career exemplifies the opportunities available to women in science.
  • The company’s approach to innovation is exemplified by their cutting-edge products.
reflect

Used to suggest that something shows, indicates, or mirrors certain qualities or conditions.

  • His actions reflect his strong moral values.
  • The changes in the economy reflect broader social trends.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'charaktēr', 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.

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.

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 Frequency Rank

At #7,088 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.