characteristic
Characteristic (adj) means typical of a particular person or thing; serving to identify it. Example: “He answered with his characteristic bluntness.”
How to Use Characteristic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA typical or defining trait, or (as an adjective) typical of someone or something.
Word Forms
more characteristic comparative, characteristics plural, most characteristic superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He answered with his _____ bluntness.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek kharaktēristikos ("marked by a distinguishing feature"), from kharaktēr ("a mark, character").
Synonyms
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Related Words
Rhymes for characteristic
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “characteristic” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “characteristic”?
“Characteristic” is pronounced ka-ruhk-tuh-RIHS-tihk (/ˌkæɹ(ə)ktəˈɹɪstɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “characteristic” in a sentence?
Here is “characteristic” used in a sentence: “He answered with his characteristic bluntness.”
What is another word for “characteristic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “characteristic” include designation, distinction, distinctiveness, feature, owndom and parameter.
What is the opposite of “characteristic”?
The opposite of “characteristic” — its antonyms — are uncharacteristic and untypical.
What part of speech is “characteristic”?
Depending on how it is used, “characteristic” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “characteristic” come from?
The word “characteristic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek kharaktēristikos ("marked by a distinguishing feature"), from kharaktēr ("a mark, character").
Is “characteristic” a common word?
“Characteristic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
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