characteristic

1 of 2

noun

char·​ac·​ter·​is·​tic ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik 

ˌka-rik-

plural characteristics

1

: a distinguishing trait, quality, or property

the characteristics of this breed of dog

2

: the integral part of a common logarithm

3

: the smallest positive integer n which for an operation in a ring or field yields 0 when any element is used n times with the operation

characteristic

2 of 2

adjective

: revealing, distinguishing, or typical of an individual character

a poetic style characteristic of the epic

characteristically

ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-sti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌka-rik-

adverb

Synonyms

Noun

• affection
• attribute
• attribution
• character
• criterion
• diagnostic
• differentia
• feature
• fingerprint
• hallmark
• mark
• marker
• note
• particularity
• peculiarity
• point
• property
• quality
• specific
• stamp
• touch
• trait

Adjective

• classic
• diagnostic
• diagnostical
• discriminating
• distinct
• distinctive
• distinguishing
• identifying
• individual
• peculiar
• proper
• symptomatic
• typical

Choose the Right Synonym for characteristic

characteristic, individual, peculiar, distinctive mean indicating a special quality or identity.

characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class.

responded with her characteristic wit

individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class.

a highly individual writing style

peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness.

an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British

distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy.

a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

Examples of characteristic in a Sentence

Noun

the ability to fashion tools and other characteristics that distinguish human beings from other animals

Adjective

He responded to their comments with characteristic good humor.

the characteristic taste of licorice

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These high-rye bourbons represent some of the best in the world, showcasing the bold and spicy characteristics that come with a higher rye content in the mash bill. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

The grapes used to make this wine are grown on a high altitude ridge, which causes the grapes to incorporate the mineral characteristics of the area, producing a bold and expressive wine with black fruit aromas and a mineral finish. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025

Adjective

Those characteristic Starfleet nacelles are kept well away from the ship to protect the crew from an unwanted warping. —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2025

The cell’s attempt to repair this damage can result in a characteristic pattern of mutations – such as the signature being sought here – which serves as a molecular record indicating past haloalkane exposure. —New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

see character entry 1

Adjective

see character entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1647, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing characteristic

• characteristic equation
• characteristic polynomial
• characteristic root
• characteristic value
• characteristic vector
• secondary sex characteristic

Rhymes for characteristic

• anachronistic
• animalistic
• antagonistic
• antiphlogistic
• behavioristic
• cannibalistic
• capitalistic
• collectivistic
• deterministic
• ethnolinguistic
• expressionistic
• idealistic

Kids Definition

characteristic

1 of 2 noun

char·​ac·​ter·​is·​tic ˌkar-ik-tə-ˈris-tik 

: a special quality or appearance that makes an individual or group different from others

characteristic

2 of 2 adjective

: typical of an individual or group

characteristically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

characteristic

1 of 2 adjective

char·​ac·​ter·​is·​tic ˌkar-ik-tə-ˈris-tik 

: serving to reveal and distinguish the individual character

characteristically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

characteristic

2 of 2 noun

: a distinguishing trait, quality, or property