verb
characterize
KA-ruhk-tuh-ryz
verb
1
To describe someone or something as having particular qualities.
"Critics characterized the plan as reckless."
"The report characterizes the region's climate as unpredictable."
2
To be a typical or defining feature of something.
"Bold brushstrokes characterize her early paintings."
How to Use Characterize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo describe something in a particular way, or to be a defining feature of it.
UK vs US
British English often uses the spelling "characterise".
Common pairings
characterized by
often characterized as
Word Forms
characterized past tense, characterizes singular
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Etymology
From Medieval Latin characterizo, from Ancient Greek kharaktērizō, "to mark with a distinguishing feature", from kharaktēr ("character").