Word
characteristic
Phoneticschar·ac·ter·is·tic, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌkɛɹəktɝˈɪstɪk/
UK/kˌæɹɪktəɹˈɪstɪk/
Definitions
01a typical feature
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a quality or feature that is typical of a particular person, place, or thing.
n. a distinguishing trait or quality that serves to identify or characterize an entity.
日本語:特徴※
Español:característica
“Patience is a characteristic that makes her a great teacher for young children.”
“The most striking characteristic of the local architecture is the use of volcanic stone in the foundations of even the humblest dwellings.”
02typical of someone
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describing a quality that is very typical of a certain person or thing.
adj. pertaining to or constituting a distinctive character; typical of a specific individual or group.
日本語:特有※
“He answered the phone with his characteristic enthusiasm and energy.”
“The author writes with a characteristic blend of dark humour and social commentary that fans recognize instantly.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03logarithm part
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Mathematics Technical
n. the whole number part of a logarithm.
n. the integral part of a common logarithm, as distinguished from the mantissa.
“In the logarithm 2.4771, the number 2 is the characteristic.”
“Students must learn to determine the characteristic by inspection before using tables to find the decimal mantissa of a common logarithm.”
04lighthouse signal
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. the specific pattern of light flashes that helps sailors identify a lighthouse.
n. the unique sequence of light and dark intervals used to identify a specific navigational aid.
“The lighthouse has a characteristic of two white flashes every ten seconds.”
“The navigator consulted the light list to verify the characteristic of the beacon before attempting to enter the unfamiliar harbour at night.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “characteristic” in context.
Verb
01. describe characteristic
“The biologist was asked to describe the physical characteristics of the new species.”
verb + noun
02. display characteristic
“Children often display characteristics inherited from both parents.”
verb + noun
03. examine characteristic
“Researchers need to examine every characteristic of the material before testing it.”
verb + noun
04. exhibit characteristic
“The patient began to exhibit characteristics of a rare viral infection.”
verb + noun
05. identify characteristic
“It is difficult to identify the defining characteristics of this art movement.”
verb + noun
06. possess characteristic
“To be a good leader, one must possess certain characteristics like empathy and integrity.”
verb + noun
Adjective
07. following characteristic
“The ideal candidate should have the following characteristics: patience and agility.”
adj + noun
08. functional characteristic
“Engineers are focusing on the functional characteristics of the new prototype.”
adj + noun
09. general characteristic
“A general characteristic of mammals is that they feed their young with milk.”
adj + noun
10. important characteristic
“Reliability is an important characteristic for any employee.”
adj + noun
11. natural characteristic
“Curiosity is a natural characteristic of young children.”
adj + noun
12. particular characteristic
“This particular characteristic makes the diamond extremely valuable.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“In humans and many other animals, a mother's age can affect the physical and behavioral characteristics of the next generation.” “To achieve this, researchers traditionally use climate models to determine the characteristic pattern of change produced by a specific influencing factor.” Etymology
From Ancient Greek χαρακτηριστικός (kharaktēristikós), from χαρακτηρίζω (kharaktērízō, “to designate by a characteristic mark”), from χαρακτήρ (kharaktḗr, “a mark, character”). By surface analysis, character + -istic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADVERB
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/characteristic
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0