characteristic — typical of a particular person, thing, or group; showing the qualities that make someone or something different from others
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: typical of a particular person, thing, or group; showing the qualities that make someone or something different from others
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/
Example Sentences
- It's characteristic of my cat to sleep exactly 20 hours a day and still look tired.
- Her characteristic laugh could be heard from three blocks away.
- The characteristic smell of garlic in Korean restaurants makes me feel at home.
characteristic
ADJECTIVE[/ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/]
typical of a particular person, thing, or group; showing the qualities that make someone or something different from others
The peacock's bright tail is its most striking characteristic.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek 'charakteristikos' meaning 'belonging to an engraved mark or character,' derived from 'charakter' (an engraved or stamped mark, character). The word entered English through Late Latin and French.
Breakdown
character (from Greek charakter, engraved mark) + -istic (adjective suffix meaning 'of or relating to') = characteristic
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“It's characteristic of my cat to sleep exactly 20 hours a day and still look tired.”
“Her characteristic laugh could be heard from three blocks away.”
“The characteristic smell of garlic in Korean restaurants makes me feel at home.”
“His characteristic habit of checking his phone every 30 seconds is quite annoying.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.