B2adjectiveacademiclanguage
US/ˌker.ək.təˈrɪs.tɪk/
UK/ˌkær.ək.təˈrɪs.tɪk/
typical of a person, place or thing, and showing what it is usually like
In context
Fish sauce gives Vietnamese food its characteristic smell.
With characteristic kindness, she offered to drive us home.
These yellow walls are characteristic of the old town.
Words that go with characteristic
adjective + preposition
- characteristic ofLong, hot summers are characteristic of the south.
adjective + noun
- characteristic featureCurved roofs are a characteristic feature of the temples.
- characteristic smellDurian has a strong characteristic smell.
- characteristic styleYou can recognize her paintings by their characteristic style.
adverb + adjective
- highly characteristicThe quiet humor is highly characteristic of his writing.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
This dish is characteristic for Hue.Correct: This dish is characteristic of Hue.