I. adjective
being or revealing a quality specific or identifying to an individual or group
her characteristic down-to-earth approach to a problem
Synonyms: diacritic, diagnostic, distinctive, idiosyncratic, individual, peculiar, proper
Related Word: especial, particular, special, specific; natural, normal, regular, typical
Contrasted words: general, generic, universal
Antonyms: uncharacteristic
II. noun
1.
something that marks or sets apart
characteristics that distinguish man from lower primates
Synonyms: birthmark, character, feature, point, trait; compare quality 1
Related Word: badge, mark, sign, token; flavor, odor, savor, smack, tang; differentia; singularity
2.
Synonyms: quality 1, affection, attribute, character, feature, mark, property, savor, trait, virtue