Characteristic
/ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/
Definitions
2 meaningsServing as a distinguishing feature or quality.
/ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/
Typical of a particular person, place, or thing.
The characteristic sound of a thunderstorm is rolling thunder.
💡 Simply: Something that shows what someone or something is like. Like, a lion's characteristic is its roar!
👶 For kids: Something that makes someone or something special.
More Examples
His characteristic generosity surprised everyone.
How It's Used
"A characteristic feature of the city is its beautiful parks."
"The characteristic properties of water are essential for life."
A feature or quality belonging typically to a person, place, or thing and serving to identify it.
/ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/
A distinguishing feature or quality.
Honesty is an important characteristic.
💡 Simply: Something that describes someone or something. For example, kindness is a characteristic of a good friend.
👶 For kids: Something that tells you what someone or something is like.
More Examples
The characteristics of the soil affect plant growth.
How It's Used
"Aggression is a key characteristic of that particular species."
"We analyzed the characteristics of the data set."
From Middle English *caracteristik*, from Late Latin *characteristicus*, from Greek *charakteristikós* "serving to engrave, distinctive," from *charaktēr* "mark, stamp, character."
The word has been used since the 16th century, initially more in scientific contexts before becoming more generally used.
Memory tip
Think of 'character' - it's a distinguishing feature of someone's personality, and a characteristic is a distinguishing feature of anything.
Word Origin
"serving to engrave, distinctive"