Characterize Meaning in English
word
ˈkɛɹəktɝˌaɪz
KERR-ik-tur-ize
ˈkæɹəktəɹaɪz
KARR-ik-tuh-rize
Definition
To describe the most important qualities or features of someone or something; to be a typical feature of.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and academic tone, common in analysis or descriptions. Often followed by nouns: 'characterize a person', 'characterize a style'. Can be confused with 'describe'—'characterize' emphasizes most important or typical features.
Spanish: caracterizarPortuguese (BR): caracterizarPortuguese (PT): caracterizarChinese (Simplified): 描述特征 - 具有...的特征Chinese (Traditional): 描述特徵 - 具有...的特徵Hindi: विशेषता बताना - वर्णन करनाArabic: يُميز - يصف سمةBengali: বর্ণনা করা - বৈশিষ্ট্য নির্ধারণ করাRussian: характеризовать - отличатьJapanese: 特徴づける - 性格付けるVietnamese: đặc trưng - mô tả đặc điểmKorean: 특징짓다 - 특성으로 하다Turkish: tanımlamak - karakterize etmekUrdu: خصوصیت بیان کرنا - نمایاں کرناIndonesian: mencirikan - menggambarkan (fitur utama)
Example Sentences
Scientists characterize water by its chemical formula, H2O.
basic
Kindness often characterizes her personality.
basic
We can characterize this painting by its bright colors.
basic
Laughter and joy really characterize family gatherings in our house.
natural
What three words would you use to characterize your best friend?
natural
Hard work and persistence characterize successful entrepreneurs everywhere.
natural