CHARACTERISTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Characteristic is an adjective that refers to a distinguishing feature or quality that is typical or unique to a particular person, thing, or group. It describes a trait or attribute that sets an individual or object apart or helps to identify them. These characteristics can be physical, behavioral, or inherent qualities.
In the context of personal traits, characteristics embody the defining elements of a person's individuality and personality. They include attributes such as honesty, optimism, or perseverance that shape a person's behavior and interactions with others.
Characteristic can also describe distinctive features of objects or things. For instance, certain physical characteristics or properties can be unique to specific materials or substances. Electrical conductivity, boiling point, or density may act as characteristic criteria to differentiate and define materials in the field of science.
In a broader sense, characteristic implies the presence of traits or attributes that are closely associated with a specific group or community. For example, cultural or social characteristics might refer to traditions, customs, or values that are common among a particular society or ethnic group.
Overall, characteristic is a term used to describe the defining qualities or distinguishing traits that make someone or something recognizable or distinct. It plays a fundamental role in understanding and identifying the unique aspects and essence of individuals, objects, and communities.
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• That which distinguishes a person or thing from another.
• Applied to the principal letter of a word, retained in all its derivatives and compounds, or nearly all.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CHARACTERISTIC *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CHARACTERISTIC
Etymology of CHARACTERISTIC
The word "characteristic" originated from the Latin word "characteristicus", which in turn derived from the Greek word "kharaktēristikos".
The Greek root of the word, "kharaktēr", referred to a stamping tool or an instrument used to mark or engrave distinctive symbols on an object. This sense of marking or distinguishing led to the word "kharaktēr" being associated with distinctive qualities or traits.
In Latin, "characteristicus" evolved to primarily mean a distinguishing feature or quality. The term eventually made its way into English, retaining its core definition of traits or qualities that make something or someone distinctive or unique.
Similar spelling words for CHARACTERISTIC
- charcuterie,
- characterisation,
- characterization,
- character actor,
- characterise,
- characterize,
- characterized,
- characterless,
- character printer,
- characterised,
- character set,
- character witness.
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