characterize

verb

char·​ac·​ter·​ize ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz 

ˈka-rik-

characterized; characterizing

transitive verb

1

: to describe the character (see character entry 1 sense 1a) or quality of

characterizes him as ambitious

2

: to be a characteristic of : distinguish

an era characterized by greed

Synonyms

• character
• define
• depict
• describe
• portray
• represent

Examples of characterize in a Sentence

How would you characterize the situation?

I would characterize this as a positive change for our company.

She had difficulty characterizing their relationship.

His personality is hard to characterize.

Farms and large flat fields characterize most of the area.

the beliefs that characterized Europe in the 15th century

Recent Examples on the Web

The area is characterized by anomalous base and precious metals in addition to porphyry pathfinder elements such as molybdenum and tellurium, in all geological materials sampled and geophysics suggests the magnitude and geometry of a large intrusive body at depth. —Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2024

Agriculture groups have supported the bill, the Missouri Independent reported, saying current regulations apply to areas that would be better characterized as ditches. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024

The condition is characterized by unexplained symptoms that include migraines, fatigue, vertigo, anxiety, dizziness, memory lapses and cognitive impairment. —Nik Popli, TIME, 1 Apr. 2024

Nevertheless, the decade preceding the new millennium wasn't solely characterized by prosperity and growth. —Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 1 Apr. 2024

The sort of go-for-baroque moviemaking that once characterized the European nation as a lodestar of auteurism? —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2024

In advance of the 2020 election, Facebook ads that characterized Joe Biden as a communist were targeted at Asian American and Latino communities. —Meg Little Reilly, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Crafted entirely from aluminum, the 131-footer is characterized by a sleek semi-displacement hull, flowing lines that run from bow to stern, and a decidedly dynamic profile. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2024

The ambitious law, which supporters hope to see replicated nationwide, has been characterized by opposing sides in stark terms. —Kurtis Lee, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see character entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

characterize

verb

char·​ac·​ter·​ize ˈkar-ik-tə-ˌrīz 

characterized; characterizing

1

: to point out the character of an individual or group : describe

characterize him as ambitious

2

: to be characteristic of

tragic endings characterized her stories