Entry Word: characterize

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group <how would you characterize the mission of this environmental organization?>

Synonyms define, depict, describe, portray, represent

Related Words categorize, classify, pigeonhole, type; identify, indicate, name, specify; distinguish, individualize, mark, particularize, stamp

2 to be an important feature of <an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox>

Synonyms distinguish, mark

Related Words differentiate; customize, individualize, particularize