CHARACTERIZE


Meaning of CHARACTERIZE in English

ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌrīz verb

( -ed/-ing/-s )

Usage: see -ize

Etymology: Medieval Latin characterizare to write, print, from Greek charaktērizein to engrave, inscribe, from charaktēr character + -izein -ize

transitive verb

1. obsolete : express III 1

2. : to describe the essential character or quality of : delineate

characterize a friend in a few words

characterize an action as childish

3. : to be a distinguishing characteristic of : distinguish

metaphor characterizes the language of poetry — R.M.Weaver

intransitive verb

: to portray, delineate, or represent character (as in a work of art)

a writer excellent at characterizing

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.