characterize
gb/kˈɛɹɪktɚˌaɪz/ us/kˈɛɹɪktɚˌaɪz/
B2
English
~ 3100
jellemez, jellemző
VERB
B2
1
jellemez
B2
Usage pattern:
to characterize [someone/something] as [adjective/noun]
The report characterizes the new policy as a major improvement.
A jelentés az új irányelvet jelentős előrelépésként jellemzi.
Historians often characterize the period as one of rapid change.
A történészek gyakran a gyors változások időszakaként jellemzik ezt a korszakot.
She characterized him as a hardworking but stubborn man.
Learner examples
The teacher characterized the student as very curious.
A tanár nagyon kíváncsinak jellemezte a diákot.
He characterized the book as boring.
Unalmasnak jellemezte a könyvet.
They characterized the city as noisy and busy.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'characterize' with 'character', which is a noun, not a verb.
Meaning
Describe main qualities
Collocations
characterize as
|characterize by
|often characterized
Synonyms
describe (A more general term for giving details about someone or something.)
|
portray (Often used when describing in a more artistic or detailed way.)
Antonyms
misrepresent (To describe in a false or misleading way.)
Themes
communication
|description
|analysis
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To say what is special or important about someone or something.
To describe the most typical or important qualities of someone or something.
VERB
B2
2
Usage pattern:
[something] characterizes [something]
The region is characterized by its hot, dry climate.
A régiót forró, száraz éghajlata jellemzi.
Her work is characterized by attention to detail.
Munkáját a részletekre való odafigyelés jellemzi.
The style is characterized by bold colors and simple shapes.
Learner examples
The city is characterized by tall buildings.
A várost magas épületek jellemzik.
Her music is characterized by soft sounds.
Zenéjét lágy hangzás jellemzi.
This food is characterized by strong spices.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'is' instead of 'is characterized by', which changes the meaning.
Meaning
Be a typical feature
Collocations
characterized by
|features that characterize
Synonyms
distinguish (Emphasizes showing how something is different from others.)
|
define (Highlights what determines the nature of something.)
Antonyms
obscure (To hide or make unclear the typical feature.)
Themes
description
|analysis
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To be the thing that shows what something is like.
To be the most typical feature of something.
Grammar
Dictionary form
characterize
IPA
GB/kˈɛɹɪktɚˌaɪz/
US/kˈɛɹɪktɚˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
char - ac - ter - ize (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (char)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: characterize
- 3rd Person Singular: characterizes
- Present Participle: characterizing
- Past: characterized
Word family
Forms
characterizes
verb
characterizing
verb
characterized
verb
Core family
Related words
characteristically
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
uncharacteristic
adjective C1
uncharacteristically
adverb
characterless
adjective
mischaracterize
verb
Advanced or less common
mischaracterization
noun
characterful
adjective
Expressions
be characterized by
1/bˈi kˈɛɹɪktɚˌaɪzd bˈaɪ/
fixed phrase
Have a main quality
To have a special quality that shows what something is like.
Examples
- The local food is characterized by fresh ingredients.
- His paintings are characterized by bright colors.
characterize as
1/kˈɛɹɪktɚˌaɪz ˈæz/
fixed phrase
Describe in a certain way
To say that someone or something is a certain type or has certain qualities.
Examples
- The article characterized the movie as boring.
- She was characterized as a brave leader.