First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1character
noun char·ac·ter \ˈker-ik-tər, ˈka-rik-\
: the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves : someone's personality
: a set of qualities that are shared by many people in a group, country, etc.
: a set of qualities that make a place or thing different from other places or things
Full Definition of CHARACTER
1
a : a conventionalized graphic device placed on an object as an indication of ownership, origin, or relationship b : a graphic symbol (as a hieroglyph or alphabet letter) used in writing or printing c : a magical or astrological emblem d : alphabet e (1) : writing, printing (2) : style of writing or printing (3) : cipher f : a symbol (as a letter or number) that represents information; also : a representation of such a symbol that may be accepted by a computer
2
a : one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual b (1) : a feature used to separate distinguishable things into categories; also : a group or kind so separated <advertising of a very primitive character> (2) : the detectable expression of the action of a gene or group of genes (3) : the aggregate of distinctive qualities characteristic of a breed, strain, or type <a wine of great character> c : the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation <the character of the American people> d : main or essential nature especially as strongly marked and serving to distinguish <excess sewage gradually changed the character of the lake>
4
: reference 4b
5
: reputation <the scandal has damaged his character and image>
6
: moral excellence and firmness <a man of sound character>
7
a : a person marked by notable or conspicuous traits <quite a character> b : one of the persons of a drama or novel c : the personality or part which an actor recreates <an actress who can create a character convincingly> d : characterization especially in drama or fiction e : person, individual <a suspicious character>
8
: a short literary sketch of the qualities of a social type
— char·ac·ter·less \-ləs\ adjective
— in character
: in accord with a person's usual qualities or traits <behaving in character>
— out of character
: not in accord with a person's usual qualities or traits <his rudeness was completely out of character>
See character defined for English-language learners
See character defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of CHARACTER
- … this makes everyone believe not only that anyone can be a parent, but also that everyone ought to do it, even those who seem by character or inclination to be ill equipped. —Anna Quindlen, Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2009
- “Beat” is old carny slang. According to Beat Movement legend (and it is a movement with a deep inventory of legend), Ginsberg and Kerouac picked it up from a character named Herbert Huncke, a gay street hustler and drug addict from Chicago who began hanging around Times Square in 1939 … —Louis Menand, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2007
- Someone with Alzheimer's may undergo a regression to a “second childhood,” but aspects of one's essential character, of personality and personhood, of self, survive … —Oliver Sacks, Musicophilia, (2007) 2008
- Slowly, steadily, Och and Chris passed along their knowledge of the characterof various courses, and the way a race evolves tactically. —Lance Armstrong, It's Not About the Bike, (2000) 2001
- Her character struck the Swede back then as a compound in which you'd find just about everything toxic to desperation and dread. At the core of her he could imagine a nucleus of confidence plaited just as neatly and tightly as her braided hair. —Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997
- [+]more
Origin of CHARACTER
Middle English caracter, from Latin character mark, distinctive quality, from Greek charaktēr, from charassein to scratch, engrave; perhaps akin to Lithuanian žerti to scratch
Related to CHARACTER
Synonym Discussion of CHARACTER
disposition, temperament, temper, character, personality mean the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group. disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one <a cheerful disposition>. temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization <an artistic temperament>. temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations <a resilient temper>. character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents <strength of character>. personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person <a somber personality>.
quality, property, character, attribute mean an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified. quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic <material with a silky quality>. property implies a characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a type or species <the property of not conducting heat>. character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class <remarks of an unseemly character>. attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being <the attributes of a military hero>.
type, kind, sort, nature, description, character mean a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities. type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group <one of three basic body types>. kind may suggest natural grouping <a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind>. sort often suggests some disparagement <the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories>. nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses <two problems of a similar nature>. description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined <not all acts of that description are actually illegal>. character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type <research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character>.
quality, property, character, attribute mean an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified. quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic <material with a silky quality>. property implies a characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a type or species <the property of not conducting heat>. character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class <remarks of an unseemly character>. attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being <the attributes of a military hero>.
type, kind, sort, nature, description, character mean a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities. type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group <one of three basic body types>. kind may suggest natural grouping <a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind>. sort often suggests some disparagement <the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories>. nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses <two problems of a similar nature>. description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined <not all acts of that description are actually illegal>. character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type <research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character>.
Other Psychology Terms
2character
verb char·ac·ter \ˈker-ik-tər, ˈka-rik-\
Definition of CHARACTER
transitive verb
2
a archaic : represent, portray b : characterize
Origin of CHARACTER
(see 1character)
First Known Use: 1591
3character
adjective char·ac·ter \ˈker-ik-tər, ˈka-rik-\
Definition of CHARACTER
1
: capable of portraying an unusual or eccentric personality often markedly different from the player <a character actor>
2
: requiring or involving the portrayal of an unusual or eccentric personality <a character role>
Origin of CHARACTER
(see 1character)
First Known Use: 1883
Other Performing Arts Terms
CHARACTER Defined for Kids
character
noun char·ac·ter \ˈker-ək-tər\
Definition of CHARACTER for Kids
1
: a mark, sign, or symbol (as a letter or figure) used in writing or printing
2
: the group of qualities that make a person, group, or thing different from others <The town has special character.>
3
: a distinguishing feature : characteristic <the plant's bushy character>
4
: a person who says or does funny or unusual things <Your friend is quite a character.>
5
: a person in a story or play
6
: the usually good opinions that most people have about a particular person : reputation <She made an attack on his character.>
7
: moral excellence <She is a person of character known for her honesty.>
Medical Dictionary
character
noun char·ac·ter \ˈkar-ik-tər\
Medical Definition of CHARACTER
1
: one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish the individual
2
: the detectable expression of the action of a gene or group of genes
3
: the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation
Learn More About CHARACTER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: character assassinationPrevious Word in the Dictionary: charactAll Words Near: character
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up character? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).