characteristic
1char·ac·ter·is·tic
noun \ˌker-ik-tə-ˈris-tik, ˌka-rik-\: a special quality or trait that makes a person, thing, or group different from others
Full Definition of CHARACTERISTIC
1
: a distinguishing trait, quality, or property
2
: the integral part of a common logarithm
3
: the smallest positive integer n which for an operation in a ring or field yields 0 when any element is used n times with the operation
See Examples of CHARACTERISTIC
- <the ability to fashion tools and other characteristics that distinguish human beings from other animals>
First Known Use of CHARACTERISTIC
1664
Related to CHARACTERISTIC
- Synonyms
- affection, attribute, attribution, character, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch, trait
Rhymes with CHARACTERISTIC
anachronistic, antagonistic, behavioristic, cannibalistic, collectivistic, deterministic, expressionistic, extralinguistic, impressionistic, militaristic, metalinguistic, monopolistic, monotheistic, naturalistic, neologistic, opportunistic, paternalistic, polytheistic, propagandistic, psycholinguistic, reductionistic, relativistic, somnambulistic
2characteristic
adjective: typical of a person, thing, or group : showing the special qualities or traits of a person, thing, or group
Full Definition of CHARACTERISTIC
: revealing, distinguishing, or typical of an individual character
— char·ac·ter·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
Examples of CHARACTERISTIC
- He responded to their comments with characteristic good humor.
- <the characteristic taste of licorice>
First Known Use of CHARACTERISTIC
1665
Related to CHARACTERISTIC
- Synonyms
- classic, diagnostic (also diagnostical), discriminating, distinct, distinctive, distinguishing, identifying, individual, peculiar, proper, symptomatic, typical
- Antonyms
- atypical, nontypical, uncharacteristic, untypical
Synonym Discussion of CHARACTERISTIC
characteristic, individual, peculiar, distinctive mean indicating a special quality or identity. characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class <responded with her characteristic wit>. individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class <a highly individual writing style>. peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness <an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British>. distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy <a distinctive aura of grace and elegance>.
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