Entry Word: character

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader <the pictorial characters of the ancient Egyptians were long a mystery>

Synonyms sign, symbol

Related Words cipher, letter, numeral; hieroglyph, pictogram, pictograph; rune

2 a person of odd or whimsical habits <the junk dealer is certainly a character, but he's a really nice man> — see eccentric
3 conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong <we need more people of sound character in public office> — see morality 1
4 overall quality as seen or judged by people in general <the general character of the business appears to be good> — see reputation
5 something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind <one of the distinguishing characters of mammals> — see characteristic
6 the set of qualities that make a person different from other people <she regards each of her children as having a distinctive character that should be valued for what it is> — see individuality
7 the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others <the basic character of the work requires that an employee be able to work quietly and independently> — see nature 1