C1verb3K

Characterize

UK /["/ˈkærəktəraɪz/","/ˈkærəktəraɪzɪz/","/ˈkærəktəraɪzd/","/ˈkærəktəraɪzɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈkærəktəraɪz/","/ˈkærəktəraɪzɪz/","/ˈkærəktəraɪzd/","/ˈkærəktəraɪzɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to be typical of a person, place or thing

In simple words: To describe someone or something by their traits.

Examples

  • the rolling hills that characterize this part of England
  • The city is characterized by tall modern buildings in steel and glass.
  • How would you characterize the mood of the 1990s?
  • Her political views have been characterized as ‘extreme’.

Usage notes

Use in both written and spoken contexts when describing the qualities of people, places, or things. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler words would suffice.

Grammar pattern

characterize + object

Memory hint

Think of 'character' — when you characterize, you explain the character.

Collocations

  • characterize a character
  • characterize the behavior
  • characterize the style
  • characterize the results

Synonyms

  • describe
  • define
  • depict
  • illustrate
  • represent

Antonyms

  • mischaracterize
  • confuse

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'character' as a noun.
  • Used incorrectly with subjects: 'She characterized him' instead of 'She characterized.'
  • Misunderstood tense: 'characterizing' as a current action, not a past one.