Words / B1

kar-uh-kt-uh-RIST-ik/ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/

A characteristic is a typical feature: a characteristic of the system; key characteristics. Characteristic can also be an adjective (a characteristic error). Feature and trait (people) are close. Character is the person in a story or someone’s personality — a common mix-up. Do not write “characteristic for” in this sense; use of or the adjective pattern.

Meaning

A typical quality or feature of a person, place, or thing.

Examples

• “Patience is a useful characteristic in a primary teacher.”
• “Clear referencing is a characteristic of strong academic work.”
• “Long waiting times are characteristic of the current system, which is the adjective.”

Good to know

a characteristic of; key characteristics. Adjective: characteristic of. Mix-up: character. People: trait.

Near in meaning

feature

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