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characteristic

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noun char·ac·ter·is·tic \ˌker-ik-tə-ˈris-tik, ˌka-rik-\

Definition of characteristic

  1. 1 :  a distinguishing trait, quality, or property the characteristics of this breed of dog

  2. 2 :  the integral part of a common logarithm

  3. 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

See characteristic defined for English-language learners

See characteristic defined for kids

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Examples of characteristic in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of characteristic

see 1character

characteristic Synonyms

Synonyms
affection, attribute, attribution, character, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch, trait
Related Words
badge, indication, sign; emblem, symbol, token; charm, grace; excellence, merit, virtue; eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, quirk; individuality, singularity, uniqueness
2

characteristic

adjective char·ac·ter·is·tic

Definition of characteristic

  1. :  revealing, distinguishing, or typical of an individual character a poetic style characteristic of the epic

characteristically

play \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See characteristic defined for English-language learners

Examples of characteristic in a Sentence

  1. He responded to their comments with characteristic good humor.

  2. the characteristic taste of licorice

Origin and Etymology of characteristic

see 1character

characteristic Synonyms

Synonyms
classic, diagnostic (also diagnostical), discriminating, distinct, distinctive, distinguishing, identifying, individual, peculiar, proper, symptomatic, typical
Antonyms
atypical, nontypical, uncharacteristic, untypical
Related Words
idiosyncratic; identifiable, pronounced, unmistakable; general, generic; common, normal, regular, usual; especial, particular, special, specific; archetypal (also archetypical), model, paradigmatic
Near Antonyms
uncommon, unconventional, uncustomary, unusual, unwonted; distinctive, especial, exceptional, extraordinary, infrequent, noteworthy, rare, remarkable, singular, special, unexpected, unfamiliar, unique, unpredictable; eccentric, idiosyncratic, nonconformist, peculiar, unknown, unorthodox; curious, erratic, funky, funny, odd, oddball, offbeat, outlandish, quirky, screwy, strange, wacky (also whacky), way-out; bizarre, fantastic (also fantastical), far-out, freak, freakish, kooky (also kookie), out-of-the-way, outrageous, outré, rare, singular, unnatural, weird, wild

Synonym Discussion of 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

CHARACTERISTIC Defined for English Language Learners

characteristic

play
noun

Definition of characteristic for English Language Learners

  • : a special quality or trait that makes a person, thing, or group different from others

characteristic

adjective

Definition of characteristic for English Language Learners

  • : typical of a person, thing, or group : showing the special qualities or traits of a person, thing, or group

CHARACTERISTIC Defined for Kids

1

characteristic

play
noun char·ac·ter·is·tic \ˌker-ək-tə-ˈri-stik\

Definition of characteristic for Students

  1. :  a special quality or appearance that makes an individual or a group different from others physical characteristics Gentleness is a characteristic of this dog breed.

2

characteristic

play
adjective char·ac·ter·is·tic

Definition of characteristic for Students

  1. :  serving to distinguish an individual or a group :  typical of a person, thing, or group He replied with characteristic good humor.

characteristically

\ˌker-ək-tə-ˈris-ti-kə-lē\ adverb She was characteristically cheerful.

Medical Dictionary

1

characteristic

play
adjective char·ac·ter·is·tic \ˌkar-ik-tə-ˈris-tik\

Medical Definition of characteristic

  1. :  serving to reveal and distinguish the individual character

characteristically

\-ti-k(ə-)lē\play adverb
2

characteristic

noun char·ac·ter·is·tic

Medical Definition of characteristic

  1. :  a distinguishing trait, quality, or property

Learn More about characteristic

  1. See words that rhyme with characteristic Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for characteristic Spanish Central: Translation of characteristic Nglish: Translation of characteristic for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of characteristic for Arabic speakers

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Examples: characteristic in a Sentence
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