characterize
gb/kˈɛɹɪktɚˌaɪz/ us/kˈɛɹɪktɚˌaɪz/
B2
English
~ 3100
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
Describe main qualities
To say what is special or important about someone or something.
Usage pattern:
to characterize [someone/something] as [adjective/noun]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'characterize' with 'character', which is a noun, not a verb.
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.)
Collocations
characterize as
|characterize by
|often characterized
Themes
communication
|description
|analysis
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The report characterizes the new policy as a major improvement.
- Historians often characterize the period as one of rapid change.
- She characterized him as a hardworking but stubborn man.
Learner examples
- The teacher characterized the student as very curious.
- He characterized the book as boring.
- They characterized the city as noisy and busy.
Verb
B2
state
2
Be a typical feature
To be the thing that shows what something is like.
Usage pattern:
[something] characterizes [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'is' instead of 'is characterized by', which changes the meaning.
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.)
Collocations
characterized by
|features that characterize
Themes
description
|analysis
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The region is characterized by its hot, dry climate.
- Her work is characterized by attention to detail.
- The style is characterized by bold colors and simple shapes.
Learner examples
- The city is characterized by tall buildings.
- Her music is characterized by soft sounds.
- This food is characterized by strong spices.
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.