CHARACTER


Meaning of CHARACTER in English

[char.ac.ter] n [ME caracter, fr. MF caractere, fr. L character mark, distinctive quality, fr. Gk charakter, fr. charassein to scratch, engrave; perh. akin to Lith zeyti to scratch] (14c) 1 a: a conventionalized graphic device placed on an object as an indication of ownership, origin, or relationship b: a graphic symbol (as a hieroglyph or alphabet letter) used in writing or printing c: a magical or astrological emblem d: alphabet e (1): writing, printing (2): style of writing or printing (3): cipher f: a symbol (as a letter or number) that represents information; also: a representation of such a character that may be accepted by a computer

2. a: one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual b (1): a feature used to separate distinguishable things into categories; also: a group or kind so separated "advertising of a very primitive ~" (2): the detectable expression of the action of a gene or group of genes (3): the aggregate of distinctive qualities characteristic of a breed, strain, or type "a wine of great ~" c: the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation d: main or essential nature esp. as strongly marked and serving to distinguish "excess sewage gradually changed the ~ of the lake"

3: position, capacity "his ~ as a town official"

4: reference 4b

5: reputation

6: moral excellence and firmness "a man of sound ~"

7. a: a person marked by notable or conspicuous traits "quite a ~" b: one of the persons of a drama or novel c: the personality or part which an actor recreates d: characterization esp. in drama or fiction e: person, individual "some ~ just stole her purse" 8: a short literary sketch of the qualities of a social type syn see disposition, quality, type -- char.ac.ter.less adj -- in character : in accord with a person's usual qualities or traits -- out of character : not in accord with a person's usual qualities or traits

[2]character vt (1591) 1 archaic: engrave, inscribe

2. a archaic: represent, portray b: characterize [3]character adj (1893) 1: capable of portraying an unusual or eccentric personality often markedly different from the player "a ~ actor"

2: requiring the qualities of a character actor "a ~ role"

Merriam-Webster English vocab.      Английский словарь Merriam Webster.