characteristic

1 of 2

noun

char·​ac·​ter·​is·​tic ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik 

ˌka-rik-

plural characteristics

1

: a distinguishing trait, quality, or property

the characteristics of this breed of dog

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

characteristic

2 of 2

adjective

: revealing, distinguishing, or typical of an individual character

a poetic style characteristic of the epic

characteristically

ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-sti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌka-rik-

adverb

Synonyms

Noun

• trait
• feature
• attribute
• quality
• attribution
• criterion
• hallmark

Adjective

• distinctive
• distinguishing
• distinct
• typical

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of characteristic in a Sentence

Noun

the ability to fashion tools and other characteristics that distinguish human beings from other animals

Adjective

He responded to their comments with characteristic good humor.

the characteristic taste of licorice

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These characteristics make the merger an almost exact replica of that first, groundbreaking detection from 10 years ago, according to Isi. —Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025

Our panel said the leading characteristic of this fish is its robust, punchy flavor and emphasized the anchovies should have a balance of salt and umami. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025

Adjective

When whole chia seeds soak in liquid, the surface breaks down, giving them their characteristic gel-like consistency and helping your body absorb their nutritional goodness. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2025

Their foliage is feathery and silvery-green, and the characteristic seed heads provide interest even after the blooms have faded. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

see character entry 1

Adjective

see character entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1647, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing characteristic

• characteristic equation
• characteristic polynomial
• characteristic root
• characteristic value
• characteristic vector
• secondary sex characteristic

Rhymes for characteristic

• anachronistic
• animalistic
• antagonistic
• antiphlogistic
• behavioristic
• cannibalistic
• capitalistic
• collectivistic
• deterministic
• ethnolinguistic
• expressionistic
• idealistic

Kids Definition

characteristic

1 of 2 noun

char·​ac·​ter·​is·​tic ˌkar-ik-tə-ˈris-tik 

: a special quality or appearance that makes an individual or group different from others

characteristic

2 of 2 adjective

: typical of an individual or group

characteristically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

characteristic

1 of 2 adjective

char·​ac·​ter·​is·​tic ˌkar-ik-tə-ˈris-tik 

: serving to reveal and distinguish the individual character

characteristically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

characteristic

2 of 2 noun

: a distinguishing trait, quality, or property