charisma

noun

cha·​ris·​ma kə-ˈriz-mə 

1

: a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure (such as a political leader)

His success was largely due to his charisma.

2

: a special magnetic charm or appeal

the charisma of a popular actor

Did you know?

The Greek word charisma means "favor" or "gift." It comes from the verb charizesthai ("to favor"), which in turn comes from the noun charis, meaning "grace." In English, charisma was originally used in Christian contexts to refer to a gift or power bestowed upon an individual by the Holy Spirit for the good of the Church—a sense that is now very rare. These days, we use the word to refer to social, rather than divine, grace. For instance, a leader with charisma may easily gain popular support, and a job applicant with charisma may shine in an interview.

Synonyms

• allure
• animal magnetism
• appeal
• attractiveness
• captivation
• charm
• duende
• enchantment
• fascination
• force field
• glamour
• glamor
• magic
• magnetism
• oomph
• pizzazz
• pizazz
• seductiveness
• witchery

Examples of charisma in a Sentence

The candidate was lacking in charisma.

His success is largely due to his charisma.

Recent Examples on the Web

Being able to take on those roles with the same charisma was very fascinating and attractive to me. —Cat Cardenas, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024

Likewise, physical attractiveness, social rank, and charisma may influence our choice of partner without however boosting our relationship satisfaction down the line. —Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

The braggadocio, the charisma and the grit underneath it all is what the city remembered of Henderson, who died at 65, days shy of his birthday on Christmas. —Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2024

Lorenzen's influence extended far beyond individual victories, as his charisma and drive helped bring NASCAR into the national spotlight. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek, favor, gift, from charizesthai to favor, from charis grace; akin to Greek chairein to rejoice — more at yearn

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

charisma

noun

cha·​ris·​ma kə-ˈriz-mə 

: a special charm or public appeal