Character — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective verb /ˈker-ik-tər/ char·ac·ter

Meaning & Definition of Character

Character (noun)

  1. a distinguishing attribute or feature, characteristic
  2. a group or category identified by a distinguishing characteristic
  3. the aggregate of distinctive qualities characteristic of something

Character (adjective)

  1. capable of portraying an unusual or eccentric personality often markedly different from the player
  2. requiring or involving the portrayal of an unusual or eccentric personality

Character (verb)

  1. characterize
  2. represent, portray
  3. engrave, inscribe

Character (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others

    "the basic character of the work requires that an employee be able to work quietly and independently"

  2. a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader

    "the pictorial characters of the ancient Egyptians had long been a mystery"

    similar: glyph, icon, sign, symbol
  3. conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong

    "we need more people of sound character in public office"

  4. overall quality as seen or judged by people in general

    "the general character of the business appears to be good"

    similar: fame, mark, name, note, odor, rep (slang), report, reputation, repute
  5. something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind

    "one of the distinguishing characters of mammals"

  6. the set of qualities that make a person different from other people

    "she regards each of her children as having a distinctive character that should be valued for what it is"

  7. a member of the human race

    "you wouldn't believe what kind of characters hang around the bus station"

  8. a person of odd or whimsical habits

    "the junk dealer is certainly a character, but he's as honest as they come"

Character (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group

    "formerly charactered as the dark ages, that period of history may not have been quite so benighted as once thought"

Related Entry: Character assassination (noun)

Character assassination is a different word from Character. The synonyms below are for character assassination, not for character.

  1. the making of false statements that damage another's reputation

    "the actor's lawyers charge that the tabloid engaged in a deliberate campaign of character assassination"

  2. the use of personal attacks or insults in order to undermine an opponent

    "refused to resort to character assassination even if it meant losing his bid for governor"

Related Entry: Character sketch (noun)

Character sketch is a different word from Character. The synonyms below are for character sketch, not for character.

  1. as in profile

Related Entry: Character sketches (noun)

Character sketches is a different word from Character. The synonyms below are for character sketches, not for character.

  1. as in profiles

Related Entry: Characterless (adjective)

Characterless is a different word from Character. The synonyms below are for characterless, not for character.

  1. lacking in distinctive features or qualities

    "characterless suburban houses that have nothing going for them but their newness"

  2. lacking strength of will or character

    "a characterless person who never has an opinion of his own"

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Character

The most common words with a similar meaning to Character:

Slang: rep
British: bod
British slang: nutter

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Character

Words with the opposite meaning of Character:

Near Antonyms of Character

Word Forms of Character

Inflections: characters, charactered, charactering

Derived words: characterless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Character

Middle English caracter, from Latin character mark, distinctive quality, from Greek charaktēr, from charassein to scratch, engrave; perhaps akin to Lithuanian žerti to scratch

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Character

Words & Phrases Containing Character

Frequently Asked Questions about Character

What does "Character" mean?

"Character" means a distinguishing attribute or feature, characteristic. As an a noun, an adjective and a verb, it is defined as: a distinguishing attribute or feature, characteristic. It has 9 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Character"?

Other words for "Character" include clay, colors, complexion, constitution, genius, nature, personality and self. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Character" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Character"?

There are 227 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Character". Common alternatives include clay, colors, complexion, constitution, genius, nature, personality, self, tone and glyph.

What is the opposite of "Character"?

Antonyms of "Character" include badness, evil, evildoing, immorality, iniquity, sin, villainy and wickedness. Near antonyms include impropriety, indecency, indecorum and indiscretion.

How do you use "Character" in a sentence?

Examples of "Character" in a sentence: "the basic character of the work requires that an employee be able to work quietly and independently"; "the pictorial characters of the ancient Egyptians had long been a mystery"; "we need more people of sound character in public office".

Is "Character" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Character" can be used as a noun, an adjective and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Character" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Character" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Character"?

"Character" is pronounced /ˈker-ik-tər/ and divided into syllables as char·ac·ter.