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Characterize Definition & Meaning

characterize
verb
  1. describe or portray the character or the qualities or peculiarities of; "You can characterize his behavior as that of an egotist"; "This poem can be characterized as a lament for a dead lover"
  2. be characteristic of; "What characterizes a Venetian painting?"

Usage tips for "characterize"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "characterize" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for characterize to find words that pair well.

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Frequently asked questions

What does characterize mean?
describe or portray the character or the qualities or peculiarities of; "You can characterize his behavior as that of an egotist"; "This poem can be characterized as a lament for a dead lover" be characteristic of; "What characterizes a Venetian painting?"
What part of speech is characterize?
Characterize is a verb.
How many definitions does characterize have?
Characterize has 2 definitions across 1 part of speech (verb).

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