characterize
KA-ruhk-tuh-ryz
Characterize (verb) means to describe someone or something as having particular qualities. Example: “Critics characterized the plan as reckless.”
verb
1
To describe someone or something as having particular qualities.
"Critics characterized the plan as reckless."
"The report characterizes the region's climate as unpredictable."
2
To be a typical or defining feature of something.
"Bold brushstrokes characterize her early paintings."
How to use characterize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo describe something in a particular way, or to be a defining feature of it.
UK vs US
British English often uses the spelling "characterise".
Common pairings
characterized by
often characterized as
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- characterizes
- Past tense
- characterized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Critics _____ the plan as reckless.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin characterizo, from Ancient Greek kharaktērizō, "to mark with a distinguishing feature", from kharaktēr ("character").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for characterize
See all rhymes for characterize →Frequently asked questions
What does “characterize” mean?
The word “characterize” means to describe someone or something as having particular qualities. In plain terms, to describe something in a particular way, or to be a defining feature of it.
How do you pronounce “characterize”?
“Characterize” is pronounced KA-ruhk-tuh-ryz (/ˈkɛɹəktəɹaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “characterize” in a sentence?
Here is “characterize” used in a sentence: “Critics characterized the plan as reckless.”
What part of speech is “characterize”?
“Characterize” is a verb.
Where does the word “characterize” come from?
The word “characterize” comes from Ancient Greek. From Medieval Latin characterizo, from Ancient Greek kharaktērizō, "to mark with a distinguishing feature", from kharaktēr ("character").
Is “characterize” a common word?
“Characterize” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “characterize” have?
“Characterize” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to describe someone or something as having particular qualities.
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