Main Entry: ²characteristic

Function: adjective

Date: 1665

: revealing, distinguishing, or typical of an individual character

— char·ac·ter·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

synonyms characteristic, individual, peculiar, distinctive mean indicating a special quality or identity. characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class <responded with her characteristic wit>. individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class <a highly individual writing style>. peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness <an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British>. distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy <a distinctive aura of grace and elegance>.