characteristics
English meaning: Characteristics
Definition
A distinguishing feature of a person or thing.
Example
“Scientists listed the physical characteristics that distinguish the two species.”
Another example: “Loyalty and patience are among her most admirable characteristics.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Plural of 'characteristic', a neutral noun for distinguishing features or qualities of a person, thing, or group. Common in science, description, and analysis ('physical characteristics', 'genetic characteristics'). Slightly formal in tone.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Greek 'kharakteristikos' (serving to mark), from 'kharakter' (a stamp, distinctive mark); entered English in the 17th century.
Synonyms
- features
- traits
- qualities
- attributes
- properties
Related Words
- socioeconomic
- traits
- jaw
- lowest
- categories
- distinguish
- valued
- particular
- intact
- characteristic
Common Collocations
- physical characteristics
- key characteristics
- distinguishing characteristics
- main characteristics
- shared characteristics
- common characteristics
Word Forms
characteristic (n/adj); characteristics (pl); characterize (v); characterization (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B