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

• charm
• appeal
• attractiveness
• fascination
• attraction
• glamour

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

Early scenes are defined by the easy charisma of the performers and organized around the news that Lydie is pregnant. —Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025

The queens were tasked with showcasing their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent over 3 episodes, and impress the judges over multiple episodes. —Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

We’re used to the actual pick announcements being mumbled into a microphone, so contracting out some charisma wasn’t the worst idea. —Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 28 June 2025

Finally, on the charisma scale, Mamdani was so far ahead of other Democratic candidates. —Lincoln Mitchell, The Conversation, 27 June 2025

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

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Kids Definition

charisma

noun

cha·​ris·​ma kə-ˈriz-mə 

: a special charm or public appeal