character
gb/kˈɛɹɪktɚ/ us/kˈɛɹɪktɚ/
A2
English
~ 900
jellem, szereplő, karakter, jelleg
NOUN
B1
1
jellem
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] has [good/bad] character
She is a woman of great character.
Kiváló jellemű nő.
Adversity can reveal a person's true character.
A megpróbáltatások megmutathatják az ember igazi jellemét.
His generosity says a lot about his character.
They questioned the candidate's moral character.
The story is about building character through challenges.
Learner examples
He has good character.
Jó a jelleme.
She is a woman of strong character.
Erős jellemű nő.
His character is honest and kind.
We can see his true character now.
She shows good character in hard times.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'character' with 'characteristic'; 'character' refers to moral qualities, not just any feature.
Meaning
moral qualities of a person
Collocations
strong character
|good character
|moral character
|build character
|true character
Synonyms
integrity (Implies honesty and strong moral principles, often a positive evaluation.)
|
personality (Refers more broadly to someone's overall behavior and traits, not just morals.)
Antonyms
corruption (Refers to dishonesty and immoral behavior, opposite of good moral character.)
Themes
emotions
|personality
|values
|core_vocabulary
|relationships
Definition
The way someone usually thinks, feels, and behaves, especially about what is right and wrong.
The set of moral and ethical traits that define how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
NOUN
A2
2
Usage pattern:
[a/an] [main/minor] character in [story/work]
Harry Potter is the main character in the series.
Harry Potter a sorozat főszereplője.
The novel has several interesting characters.
A regényben több érdekes szereplő is van.
She plays a strong female character.
The characters in this show are very realistic.
Each character has a unique backstory.
Learner examples
He is the main character in the movie.
Ő a film főszereplője.
I like the characters in this book.
Szeretem ennek a könyvnek a szereplőit.
She plays a happy character.
There are five characters in the story.
The main character is very brave.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'character' with 'actor'; 'character' is the role, not the person playing it.
Meaning
person in a story or play
Collocations
main character
|fictional character
|supporting character
|comic book character
|character development
Synonyms
figure (A general term for a person in a story, sometimes less personal.)
|
protagonist (Specifically the main character in a story.)
Antonyms
background extra (An unimportant figure in a visual medium with no significant role.)
Themes
literature
|entertainment
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Definition
A person or animal in a book, play, movie, or other story.
A person, animal, or other being in a novel, play, film, or other narrative work.
NOUN
B2
3
Usage pattern:
the character of [something/someone]
The old town has a lot of character.
Az óvárosnak igazi karaktere van.
Her writing has a distinctive character.
Írásának sajátos jellege van.
The mountains give the region its unique character.
We want to preserve the historic character of the building.
He admired the bold character of her art.
Learner examples
The city has much character.
A városnak igazi karaktere van.
This house has old character.
Ennek a háznak régies hangulata van.
Her voice has a special character.
The town keeps its historic character.
The park has a quiet character.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'character' with 'characteristic', which refers to an individual feature rather than the whole nature.
Meaning
distinctive traits of someone or something
Collocations
national character
|unique character
|distinctive character
|character trait
|personal character
Synonyms
nature (Describes the inherent qualities of something or someone.)
|
personality (Focuses more on human behavior than on other types of entities.)
Antonyms
uniformity (Lack of distinctive qualities; sameness.)
Themes
description
|identity
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The special qualities that make a person, place, or thing different from others.
The combination of qualities or features that makes one person, group, or thing different from others.
NOUN
B1
4
karakter
B1
Type your password using at least eight characters.
A jelszavad legalább nyolc karakterből álljon.
The license plate contains both letters and numeric characters.
A rendszám betűket és számjegyeket is tartalmaz.
Chinese characters are complex but beautiful.
Special characters like @ and # are often used online.
The message was limited to 140 characters.
Learner examples
My name has six characters.
A nevem hat betűből áll.
This word has five characters.
Ez a szó öt betűből áll.
Type your password with eight characters.
I like learning Chinese characters.
We use many characters to write.
Meaning
printed or written symbol
Collocations
Chinese characters
|special characters
|ASCII characters
|enter characters
|character limit
Synonyms
symbol (A general term for any mark representing something else.)
|
glyph (Technical term for a visual representation of a symbol in typography.)
Antonyms
blank space (Represents no printed symbol at all.)
Themes
language
|technology
|communication
|education
Definition
A letter, number, or sign used in writing or printing.
A letter, number, punctuation mark, or other symbol used in writing or printing.
Grammar
Dictionary form
character
IPA
GB/kˈɛɹɪktɚ/
US/kˈɛɹɪktɚ/
Syllables & stress
char - ac - ter (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (char)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: character
- Plural: character, characters
Word family
Forms
characters
noun
Core family
characteristic
adjective B1
characterize
verb B2
Related words
characteristically
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
uncharacteristic
adjective C1
characterless
adjective
Advanced or less common
characterization
noun C1
Expressions
in character
1/ˈɪn kˈɛɹɪktɚ/
fixed phrase
acting as usual self or role
Behaving in a way that matches your normal personality or the role you are playing.
Examples
- His kindness today was completely in character for him.
- The actor stayed in character during the interview.
out of character
1/ˈaʊt əv kˈɛɹɪktɚ/
fixed phrase
acting unlike usual self or role
Behaving in a way that is not normal for you or your role.
Examples
- It was out of character for her to be late.
- His angry reaction was totally out of character.
show your true character
1/ʃˈoʊ jˈʊɹ tɹˈu kˈɛɹɪktɚ/
fixed phrase
reveal real qualities or morals
To behave in a way that shows what you are really like inside.
Examples
- Difficult times can make people show their true character.
- He showed his true character by helping strangers.