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noun Uncommon

charisma

kuh-RIHZ-muh

Charisma (noun) means a compelling personal charm or magnetism that draws people in and inspires devotion or enthusiasm. Example: “The candidate's charisma won over even skeptical voters.”

noun
1
A compelling personal charm or magnetism that draws people in and inspires devotion or enthusiasm.
"The candidate's charisma won over even skeptical voters."
"He lacked experience, but his charisma made up for it on stage."

How to Use Charisma

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA magnetic, likeable quality some people have that makes others want to follow or listen to them.

Common pairings
natural charisma exude charisma lack of charisma

Word Forms

charismas plural, charismata plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The candidate's _____ won over even skeptical voters.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek kharisma ("grace, favour, gift"), from kharis ("grace"). Its modern meaning of magnetic personal appeal spread widely after sociologist Max Weber used it to describe a rare quality in certain leaders.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Related Words

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “charisma” mean?

The word “charisma” means a compelling personal charm or magnetism that draws people in and inspires devotion or enthusiasm. In plain terms, a magnetic, likeable quality some people have that makes others want to follow or listen to them.

How do you pronounce “charisma”?

“Charisma” is pronounced kuh-RIHZ-muh (/kəˈɹɪzmə/ in IPA).

How do you use “charisma” in a sentence?

Here is “charisma” used in a sentence: “The candidate's charisma won over even skeptical voters.”

What is another word for “charisma”?

Words with a similar meaning to “charisma” include charm and spell.

What part of speech is “charisma”?

“Charisma” is a noun.

Where does the word “charisma” come from?

The word “charisma” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek kharisma ("grace, favour, gift"), from kharis ("grace"). Its modern meaning of magnetic personal appeal spread widely after sociologist Max Weber used it to describe a rare quality in certain leaders.

Is “charisma” a common word?

“Charisma” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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