characteristic

¹char·ac·ter·is·tic

noun \ˌker-ik-tə-ˈris-tik, ˌka-rik-\

Definition of CHARACTERISTIC

1

: a distinguishing trait, quality, or property

2

: the integral part of a common logarithm

3

: the smallest positive integer n which for an operation in a ring or field yields 0 when any element is used n times with the operation

Examples of CHARACTERISTIC

1. <the ability to fashion tools and other characteristics that distinguish human beings from other animals>

First Known Use of CHARACTERISTIC

1664

Related to CHARACTERISTIC

Synonyms

affection, attribute, attribution, character, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch, trait

Related Words

badge, indication, sign; emblem, symbol, token; charm, grace; excellence, merit, virtue; eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, quirk; individuality, singularity, uniqueness

Rhymes with CHARACTERISTIC

anachronistic, antagonistic, behavioristic, cannibalistic, collectivistic, deterministic, expressionistic, extralinguistic, impressionistic, militaristic, metalinguistic, monopolistic, monotheistic, naturalistic, neologistic, opportunistic, paternalistic, polytheistic, propagandistic, psycholinguistic, reductionistic, relativistic, somnambulistic

²characteristic

adjective

Definition of CHARACTERISTIC

: revealing, distinguishing, or typical of an individual character

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

Examples of CHARACTERISTIC

1. He responded to their comments with characteristic good humor.
2. <the characteristic taste of licorice>

First Known Use of CHARACTERISTIC

1665

Related to CHARACTERISTIC

Synonyms

classic, diagnostic (also diagnostical), discriminating, distinct, distinctive, distinguishing, identifying, individual, peculiar, proper, symptomatic, typical

Antonyms

atypical, nontypical, uncharacteristic, untypical

Related Words

idiosyncratic; identifiable, pronounced, unmistakable; general, generic; common, normal, regular, usual; especial, particular, special, specific; archetypal (also archetypical), model, paradigmatic

Near Antonyms

uncommon, unconventional, uncustomary, unusual, unwonted; distinctive, especial, exceptional, extraordinary, infrequent, noteworthy, rare, remarkable, singular, special, unexpected, unfamiliar, unique, unpredictable; eccentric, idiosyncratic, nonconformist, peculiar, unknown, unorthodox; curious, erratic, funky, funny, odd, oddball, offbeat, outlandish, quirky, screwy, strange, wacky (also whacky), way-out; bizarre, fantastic (also fantastical), far-out, freak, freakish, kooky (also kookie), out-of-the-way, outrageous, outré, rare, singular, unnatural, weird, wild

Synonym Discussion of CHARACTERISTIC

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>.