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