verb
characterize
KAIR-ik-tuh-ryze/ˈkærəktəraɪz/
To describe or portray the distinctive qualities of someone or something.
The naturalist characterizes the giraffe by sketching its long neck and spotted coat.
Etymology
A distinguishing mark became an image for identifying essential qualities. The English verb may be a back-formation from characterization rather than a borrowing of the older verb meaning “designate by a characteristic mark.”
In context
he lost the modesty and gentleness which seemed to characterize him in the earlier part of his life
More examples
- She characterized his response as unnecessarily harsh.
- How would you characterize the town's atmosphere?
- He is characterizing the materials by their distinctive properties.
Forms
characterize · characterizes · characterized · characterizing
Similar words
- describe
- Describe gives information broadly; characterize selects distinguishing qualities or an overall portrayal.