Antonyms for characteristic


Grammar : Adj, noun
Spell : kar-ik-tuh-ris-tik
Phonetic Transcription : ˌkær ɪk təˈrɪs tɪk


Definition of characteristic

Origin :
  • adjective and noun both first attested 1660s, from character + -istic on model of Greek kharakteristikos. Earlier in the adjectival sense was characteristical (1620s). Related: Characteristically (1640s). Characteristics "distinctive traits" also attested from 1660s.
  • adj typical; distinguishing
  • noun typical feature, trait
Example sentences :
  • The physique of the true fashionable is peculiar and characteristic.
  • Extract from : « Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327 » by Various
  • But the most characteristic display of all is the "Cabinet."
  • Extract from : « Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327 » by Various
  • The interview with the Sultan was the last, and was interesting and characteristic.
  • Extract from : « Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327 » by Various
  • The poem is in four cantos, the first of which is the best, and the most characteristic of the author.
  • Extract from : « Biographical Sketches » by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • Perhaps, in that characteristic might be found a clue to the chief fault in his nature.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • For once, he was revealing that fundamental egotism which is the characteristic of all his kind.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • The reflection is manifestly Shakespeare's own, and here the form, too, is characteristic.
  • Extract from : « The Man Shakespeare » by Frank Harris
  • The lightness is no doubt as characteristic of Shakespeare as the impudent humour.
  • Extract from : « The Man Shakespeare » by Frank Harris
  • The third act is "spoiled, by the characteristic Shakespearean language."
  • Extract from : « The Man Shakespeare » by Frank Harris
  • No; nor is the dialect of speech: both are characteristic and national distinctions.
  • Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 4 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth

Synonyms for characteristic

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019