characteristic

/,kæriktə'ristik/

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Explanation of the Word "Characteristic"

Definition: The word "characteristic" can be used as both an adjective and a noun.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "characteristic" as an adjective when describing something typical.
• Use it as a noun when you want to point out a specific quality or feature.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "characteristic" can refer to specific properties in scientific fields. For instance, in mathematics, it can refer to the integer part of a logarithm, as in "the characteristic of log 643 = 2.808 is 2."

Word Variants:

• Characteristics (noun, plural): This refers to multiple qualities or features.
  • Example: "The characteristics of the new model include improved fuel efficiency and safety features."

Different Meanings:

• In a broader context, "characteristic" can also refer to a quality that makes something unique or different from others, such as in personality traits or environmental features.

Synonyms:

• Trait
• Feature
• Attribute
• Quality
• Distinction

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "characteristic" itself doesn't have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you can use it in phrases that describe behaviors or traits. For example: - "It's characteristic of him to help others." - This means that helping others is a typical behavior for him.

Summary:

The word "characteristic" is a versatile term that can help you describe qualities and features about people, places, or things.

Academic

Adjective

1. typical or distinctive
   • heard my friend's characteristic laugh
   • red and gold are the characteristic colors of autumn
   • stripes characteristic of the zebra

Noun

1. any measurable property of a device measured under closely specified conditions
2. the integer part (positive or negative) of the representation of a logarithm; in the expression log 643 = 2.808 the characteristic is 2
3. a distinguishing quality
4. a prominent attribute or aspect of something
   • the map showed roads and other features
   • generosity is one of his best characteristics

Synonyms

• device characteristic
• feature