The meaning of CHARACTERIZE is to describe the character or quality of. How to use characterize in a sentence.

To characterize something also means to describe it by stating its main qualities:

Definition of characterize verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If you characterize someone or something as a particular thing, you describe them as that thing.

CHARACTERIZE definition: to mark or distinguish as a characteristic; be a characteristic of. See examples of characterize used in a sentence.

To be a distinctive trait or mark of; distinguish: the rash and high fever that characterize this disease; a region that is characterized by its dikes and canals.

Dec 11, 2025 · This glossary includes terminology used in coastal science, engineering, geology, management, nearshore oceanography and the technologies that characterize, measure, …

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb characterize, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

be a characteristic of: Rich metaphors characterize his poetry. to describe the character or individual quality of: He characterized her in a few well-chosen words.

CHARACTERIZE meaning: 1 : to describe the character or special qualities of (someone or something); 2 : to be a typical feature or quality of (someone or something) often used as (be) …