charisma

noun

cha·​ris·​ma kə-ˈriz-mə How to pronounce charisma (audio)
1
: a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure (such as a political leader)
His success was largely due to his charisma.
2
: a special magnetic charm or appeal
the charisma of a popular actor

Did you know?

The Greek word charisma means "favor" or "gift." It comes from the verb charizesthai ("to favor"), which in turn comes from the noun charis, meaning "grace." In English, charisma was originally used in Christian contexts to refer to a gift or power bestowed upon an individual by the Holy Spirit for the good of the Church—a sense that is now very rare. These days, we use the word to refer to social, rather than divine, grace. For instance, a leader with charisma may easily gain popular support, and a job applicant with charisma may shine in an interview.

Examples of charisma in a Sentence

The candidate was lacking in charisma. His success is largely due to his charisma.
Recent Examples on the Web The perfect vehicle for Halle Berry's sultry-sweet charisma, Ginger's less femme fatale than femme mystérieuse. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 There’s the doomed romance between a fledgling novelist named Clifford Bradshaw and a young singer of supreme charisma (and mediocre talent) named Sally Bowles. Adrienne Miller, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2024 The pair’s westerns—including The Legend of Black Charley, a 1972 film whose original title, like those of its two sequels, contains a racial slur—were powered by Williamson’s charisma and the scripts’ modern dialogue. Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 The production of the tour is not wildly elaborate by contemporary standards, with Rodrigo’s charisma serving as special effect enough. Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Feb. 2024 Yet, despite Chun’s strongman charisma, Lee is very much the hero in this film, a man who recognizes the danger to his country and is prepared to sacrifice his life. Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Modi’s charisma and popular appeal have consolidated this dominance, electorally speaking. Ramachandra Guha, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Supporters cited Khan’s charisma among their reasons for voting for him Thursday. Mushtaq Yusufzai, NBC News, 9 Feb. 2024 Remind Teams That Hard Work That Leads To Success When team members are successful, remind them that what led to the success was not talent, brilliance or charisma. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'charisma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek, favor, gift, from charizesthai to favor, from charis grace; akin to Greek chairein to rejoice — more at yearn

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of charisma was in 1930

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Cite this Entry

“Charisma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charisma. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

charisma

noun
cha·​ris·​ma kə-ˈriz-mə How to pronounce charisma (audio)
: a special charm or public appeal

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