charisma

noun

cha·​ris·​ma kə-ˈriz-mə 

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.

Synonyms

• allure
• animal magnetism
• appeal
• attractiveness
• captivation
• charm
• duende
• enchantment
• fascination
• force field
• glamour
• glamor
• magic
• magnetism
• oomph
• pizzazz
• pizazz
• seductiveness
• witchery

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 story itself is familiar, but director Gillian Armstrong instills it with jittery whimsy and lead Jo Kennedy projects a skewed, guileless charisma. —Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 23 Apr. 2024

Dickie has it—charisma, insouciance, a devil-may-care freedom, all of which Tom wants for himself. —Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 2024

It’s born from Modi’s unique appeal, which blends Hindu nationalism, personal charisma, big-ticket infrastructure spending and generous welfare programs into a powerful pitch that overshadows his failure to deliver enough jobs to precisely these voters. —Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024

Along with Jordan, viewers get a rare look at Bulls legends like Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Steve Kerr, delving into their personal and professional lives and revealing their rivalries, motivations, and unstoppable charisma. —Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2024

The Baltimore singer, who shared her emotional connection to McEntire in her blind audition, grounded the song with her emotive tone and heartfelt charisma. —USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024

Observers have attributed the mass popularization of foreign policy to Modi’s charisma and the BJP’s political strategy. —Rohan Mukherjee, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2024

But Díaz-Canel lacks the charisma of the late Fidel Castro, and his effort to spin a positive narrative on the recent protests exposes the limits of an old-fashioned propaganda system in the era of social media. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2024

Joseph draws the audience in with his outstanding musicianship, stage presence, and charisma. —Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024

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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

charisma

noun

cha·​ris·​ma kə-ˈriz-mə 

: a special charm or public appeal