Characterize — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz/ char·ac·ter·ize

Meaning & Definition of Characterize

Characterize (verb)

  1. to describe the character or quality of
  2. to be a characteristic of, distinguish

Characterize (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "how would you characterize the mission of this environmental organization?"

    similar: character, define, depict, describe, portray, represent
    related: categorize, classify, pigeonhole, type, color, identify, indicate, name, specify, distinguish, individualize, mark, particularize, stamp

  2. to be an important feature of

    "an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox"

    similar: distinguish, mark
    related: differentiate, customize, individualize, particularize

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Characterize

The most common words with a similar meaning to Characterize:

character, define, depict, describe, portray, represent, distinguish, mark

Related Words for Characterize

categorize, classify, pigeonhole, type, color, identify, indicate, name, specify, individualize, particularize, stamp, differentiate, customize

Word Forms of Characterize

Inflections: characterized, characterizing

Origin & Etymology of Characterize

First known use: circa 1602

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Characterize

Frequently Asked Questions about Characterize

What does "Characterize" mean?

"Characterize" means to describe the character or quality of. As a verb, it is defined as: to describe the character or quality of. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Characterize"?

Other words for "Characterize" include character, define, depict, describe, portray, represent, distinguish and mark. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Characterize" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Characterize"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Characterize". Common alternatives include character, define, depict, describe, portray, represent, distinguish and mark.

How do you use "Characterize" in a sentence?

Examples of "Characterize" in a sentence: "how would you characterize the mission of this environmental organization?"; "an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox".

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

"Characterize" is a verb.

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

As a C1-level word, "Characterize" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Characterize"?

"Characterize" is pronounced /ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz/ and divided into syllables as char·ac·ter·ize.

What is the origin of the word "Characterize"?

First known use: circa 1602.