character
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1char·ac·ter
noun \ˈker-ik-tər, ˈka-rik-\Definition of CHARACTER
1
a : a conventionalized graphic device placed on an object as an indication of ownership, origin, or relationship b : a graphic symbol (as a hieroglyph or alphabet letter) used in writing or printing c : a magical or astrological emblem d : alphabet e (1) : writing, printing (2) : style of writing or printing (3) : cipher f : a symbol (as a letter or number) that represents information; also : a representation of such a symbol that may be accepted by a computer
2
a : one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual b (1) : a feature used to separate distinguishable things into categories; also : a group or kind so separated <advertising of a very primitive character> (2) : the detectable expression of the action of a gene or group of genes (3) : the aggregate of distinctive qualities characteristic of a breed, strain, or type <a wine of great character> c : the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation <the character of the American people> d : main or essential nature especially as strongly marked and serving to distinguish <excess sewage gradually changed the character of the lake>
4
: reference 4b
5
: reputation <the scandal has damaged his character and image>
6
: moral excellence and firmness <a man of sound character>
7
a : a person marked by notable or conspicuous traits <quite a character> b : one of the persons of a drama or novel c : the personality or part which an actor recreates <an actress who can create a character convincingly> d : characterization especially in drama or fiction e : person, individual <a suspicious character>
8
: a short literary sketch of the qualities of a social type
— char·ac·ter·less \-ləs\ adjective
— in character
: in accord with a person's usual qualities or traits <behaving in character>
— out of character
: not in accord with a person's usual qualities or traits <his rudeness was completely out of character>
See Examples of CHARACTER
- the unique character of the town
- The building is very simple in character.
- Their house has a lot of character.
- … this makes everyone believe not only that anyone can be a parent, but also that everyone ought to do it, even those who seem by character or inclination to be ill equipped. —Anna Quindlen, Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2009
- “Beat” is old carny slang. According to Beat Movement legend (and it is a movement with a deep inventory of legend), Ginsberg and Kerouac picked it up from a character named Herbert Huncke, a gay street hustler and drug addict from Chicago who began hanging around Times Square in 1939 … —Louis Menand, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2007
- Someone with Alzheimer's may undergo a regression to a “second childhood,” but aspects of one's essential character, of personality and personhood, of self, survive … —Oliver Sacks, Musicophilia, (2007) 2008
- Slowly, steadily, Och and Chris passed along their knowledge of the characterof various courses, and the way a race evolves tactically. —Lance Armstrong, It's Not About the Bike, (2000) 2001
- Her character struck the Swede back then as a compound in which you'd find just about everything toxic to desperation and dread. At the core of her he could imagine a nucleus of confidence plaited just as neatly and tightly as her braided hair. —Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997
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Origin 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
Related to CHARACTER
Other Psychology Terms
2char·ac·ter
transitive verb \ˈker-ik-tər, ˈka-rik-\Definition of CHARACTER
2
a archaic : represent, portray b : characterize
Examples of CHARACTER
- <formerly charactered as “the dark ages,” that period of history may not have been quite so benighted as once thought>
Origin of CHARACTER
(see 1character)
First Known Use: 1591
3char·ac·ter
adjective \ˈker-ik-tər, ˈka-rik-\Definition of CHARACTER
1
: capable of portraying an unusual or eccentric personality often markedly different from the player <a character actor>
2
: requiring or involving the portrayal of an unusual or eccentric personality <a character role>
Origin of CHARACTER
(see 1character)
First Known Use: 1883
Other Performing Arts Terms
char·ac·ter
noun \ˈkar-ik-tər\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of CHARACTER
1
: one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish the individual
2
: the detectable expression of the action of a gene or group of genes
3
: the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation
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