adj

characteristic

ka-ruhk-tuh-RIHS-tihk

adj

Typical of a particular person or thing; serving to identify it.

"He answered with his characteristic bluntness."

"The dish has the characteristic sourness of fermented dough."

noun

A distinguishing feature or quality of someone or something.

"Patience is one of her best characteristics."

How to Use Characteristic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA typical or defining trait, or (as an adjective) typical of someone or something.

Common pairings

characteristic feature characteristic of key characteristics

more characteristic comparative, characteristics plural, most characteristic superlative

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He answered with his _____ bluntness.

From Ancient Greek kharaktēristikos ("marked by a distinguishing feature"), from kharaktēr ("a mark, character").

designation distinction distinctiveness feature owndom parameter property propriety race touch whatness

uncharacteristic untypical

feature skill touch race cut feel difference handle

holistic sadistic artistic autistic logistic statistic realistic ballistic linguistic futuristic optimistic altruistic

designation distinction distinctiveness feature owndom parameter property propriety race touch whatness uncharacteristic