ENGLISH
REFERENCE

characteristic

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌkɛɹəktɝˈɪstɪk// UK //kˌæɹɪktəɹˈɪstɪk// char·ac·ter·is·tic General-service

n. a typical quality or feature that makes a person or thing different from others. You use it to describe what someone or something is usually like.

n. a distinguishing feature or quality belonging typically to a person, place, or thing and serving to identify them.


SIMPLE

Kindness is a very positive characteristic.

CONTEXTUAL

One key characteristic of this species is the bright red stripe along its back.

COMPLEX

The architect focused on preserving the unique characteristics of the original building while integrating modern sustainable materials into the new design.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' to link a trait to its owner.

Pitfall

It is a characteristic for himIt is a characteristic of himWhen identifying a trait belonging to someone, use the preposition 'of' rather than 'for'.

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