ENGLISH
REFERENCE

charisma

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //kɝˈɪzmə// UK //kəɹˈɪsmɐ// charis·ma

n. a special quality that makes a person very attractive or interesting to others. People with this quality can easily influence or lead others because of their charm.

n. compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others. Often used to describe the personal magnetism of leaders or public figures.


SIMPLE

The young actor has a lot of natural charisma.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician relied on his personal charisma to win over the crowd during the debate.

COMPLEX

While the candidate lacked a detailed policy platform, his undeniable charisma allowed him to maintain a commanding lead in the polls throughout the election cycle.

Origin

From Ancient Greek χᾰ́ρῐσμᾰ (khắrĭsmă, “grace, favour, gift”), from χᾰρῐ́ζομαι (khărĭ́zomai, “I show favor”), from χᾰ́ρῐς (khắrĭs, “grace”), from the same root χαρ- (khar-) as χαίρω (khaírō, “I am happy”). Doublet of charism. First attested in 1875. Outside of theology, as early as 1930, charisma was found in a translation of a book written by German sociologist Max Weber, which OED and Etymonline regards as a semantic loan from German Charisma, denoting the special ability of certain leaders to inspire devotion (sense 1). By the 1940s and more clearly in the 1950s, the term was used more loosely to refer to personal charm in general (sense 1.1).

Usage

Typically functions as an uncountable noun; however, it can be used with 'a' or in the plural when referring to specific types of charm or spiritual gifts.

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