characteristic

The word “characteristic” means typical of a particular person or thing; serving to identify it. In plain terms, a typical or defining trait, or (as an adjective) typical of someone or something.

“Characteristic” is pronounced ka-ruhk-tuh-RIHS-tihk (/ˌkæɹ(ə)ktəˈɹɪstɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “characteristic” used in a sentence: “He answered with his characteristic bluntness.”

Words with a similar meaning to “characteristic” include designation, distinction, distinctiveness, feature, owndom and parameter.

The opposite of “characteristic” — its antonyms — are uncharacteristic and untypical.

Depending on how it is used, “characteristic” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “characteristic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek kharaktēristikos ("marked by a distinguishing feature"), from kharaktēr ("a mark, character").

“Characteristic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Both refer to a distinguishing feature of someone or something. 'Trait' is used most often for aspects of personality or genetics, while 'characteristic' is broader and applies to people, objects, and abstract things alike.

A 'feature' is any notable part or aspect of something, while a 'characteristic' specifically distinguishes or identifies it as typical. Something can have a feature that is not characteristic, but a characteristic is by definition a defining or typical quality.

As an adjective, 'characteristic' means typical of a particular person or thing, as in 'her characteristic smile.' As a noun, it means a distinguishing feature or quality, as in 'an important characteristic of metals.'

'Characteristic' is the adjective or noun describing a typical or distinguishing quality. 'Characteristically' is the adverb, meaning in a typical manner, as in 'he characteristically arrived early.'