Characterise Meaning in English

word

US

ˈkæɹɪktəˌraɪz

KAR-ik-tuh-rahyz

UK

kˈæɹɪktəɹˌaɪz

KAR-ik-tuh-rahyz

Definition

To describe the main qualities or features of someone or something; to make something stand out because of a special feature.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly formal or academic, used in essays and reports. Often paired with what quality is highlighted, e.g., 'characterise as', 'characterise by'. 'Characterize' is the American spelling.

• Spanish: caracterizar
• Portuguese (BR): caracterizar
• Portuguese (PT): caracterizar
• Chinese (Simplified): 表现...的特征 - 描绘...的特点
• Chinese (Traditional): 表現...的特徵 - 描繪...的特點
• Hindi: विशेषता बताना - वर्णन करना
• Arabic: يُميِّز - يصف
• Bengali: বর্ণনা করা - বৈশিষ্ট্য নির্ধারণ করা
• Russian: охарактеризовать - отличать
• Japanese: 特徴づける
• Vietnamese: miêu tả đặc điểm - đặc trưng
• Korean: 특징짓다 - 특징을 나타내다
• Turkish: tanımlamak - nitelemek
• Urdu: خصوصیت بیان کرنا - نمایاں کرنا
• Indonesian: mencirikan - menggambarkan

Example Sentences

We characterise this solution as fast and effective.

basic

Honesty characterises her personality.

basic

The paintings are characterised by bright colors.

basic

Can you characterise the mood of the meeting yesterday?

natural

What would you say characterises a great leader?

natural

The new policy is characterised by flexibility and openness.

natural