Characterize
/ˈkærəktəraɪz/
Definitions
To describe the distinctive features of something or someone.
/ˈkærəktəraɪz/
To describe the distinctive nature or features of.
The critic characterized the play as 'brilliant but uneven'.
💡 Simply: It's like giving someone or something a personality description. For example, you might characterize your friend as 'funny and kind' or a storm as 'fierce and destructive'.
👶 For kids: To tell what someone or something is like.
More Examples
His work is characterized by its simplicity and elegance.
How It's Used
"The author skillfully characterized the protagonist's inner turmoil."
"The experiment characterized the chemical properties of the new compound."
From Middle English *caracterisen, from Old French caracteriser, from Latin character 'mark, distinguishing feature'.
The word's usage has remained relatively consistent over time, primarily focusing on descriptive attributes.
Memory tip
Think 'character' + 'ize' (to make something). To make something have a specific character.
Word Origin
"to mark, to engrave"