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Definition of characterize

characterize

/ˈkær.ək.tə.raɪz/
(UK: characterise)
char · ac · ter · ize
Adverb:characteristically
•
Adjective:characteristic
•
Past Simple:characterized
•
Past Participle:characterized
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Present Participle:characterizing
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characterize Lexical Profile

characterize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To describe the distinctive nature or features of someone or something.

Example

"The historian sought to characterize the era as a period of rapid industrial innovation and social change."

2

To be a typical or defining quality or feature of a person, place, or thing.

Example

"Brightly colored murals and lively street markets characterize the historic downtown district."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for characterize
Antonyms
View all antonyms for characterize

• Nearby Words

characteristic
characteristically
characterization
characterize
characterless
charade
charades

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Medieval Latin characterizare, which derives from Ancient Greek kharakterizein ('to designate by a characteristic mark'), from kharakter ('engraved mark' or 'instrument for marking').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Characterize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/characterize
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