Anglais

characterize

gb/kˈɛɹɪktɚˌaɪz/ us/kˈɛɹɪktɚˌaɪz/
B2 Anglais
~ 3100
Sens
0 sens
Verbe B2 action
1

Describe main qualities

To say what is special or important about someone or something.

Schéma d’usage : to characterize [someone/something] as [adjective/noun]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'characterize' with 'character', which is a noun, not a verb.
Synonymes
describe (A more general term for giving details about someone or something.) | portray (Often used when describing in a more artistic or detailed way.)
Antonymes
misrepresent (To describe in a false or misleading way.)
Collocations
characterize as |characterize by |often characterized
Thèmes
communication |description |analysis |core_vocabulary
Exemples
  • 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
  • The teacher characterized the student as very curious.
  • He characterized the book as boring.
  • They characterized the city as noisy and busy.
Verbe B2 state
2

Be a typical feature

To be the thing that shows what something is like.

Schéma d’usage : [something] characterizes [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes use 'is' instead of 'is characterized by', which changes the meaning.
Synonymes
distinguish (Emphasizes showing how something is different from others.) | define (Highlights what determines the nature of something.)
Antonymes
obscure (To hide or make unclear the typical feature.)
Collocations
characterized by |features that characterize
Thèmes
description |analysis |core_vocabulary
Exemples
  • 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
  • The city is characterized by tall buildings.
  • Her music is characterized by soft sounds.
  • This food is characterized by strong spices.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
characterize
API
GB/kˈɛɹɪktɚˌaɪz/
US/kˈɛɹɪktɚˌaɪz/
Syllabes et accentuation
char - ac - ter - ize (4 syllabes)
Stress on 1st syllable (char)
Formes du mot
Verb
  • Base: characterize
  • 3rd Person Singular: characterizes
  • Present Participle: characterizing
  • Past: characterized
Famille de mots
Forms
characterizes verb characterizing verb characterized verb
Core family
character noun B1 characterization noun C1 characteristic adjective B1
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.

Exemples
  • 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.

Exemples
  • The article characterized the movie as boring.
  • She was characterized as a brave leader.

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