B2verbUK spelling: characteriseformalacademiclanguage
US/ˈker.ək.tə.raɪz/
UK/ˈkær.ək.tə.raɪz/
to be a typical feature of something; also to describe something as having a certain quality
In context
Hot, wet summers characterize the climate of southern Vietnam.
The disease is characterized by high fever and a skin rash.
Critics characterized the new policy as a step backwards.
Words that go with characterize
verb + preposition
- characterized byThe period was characterized by rapid growth.
- characterize asShe would characterize herself as shy.
adverb + verb
- best characterizedHis style is best characterized as simple and direct.
- generally characterizedThe region is generally characterized by low rainfall.
verb + noun
- characterize the relationshipHow would you characterize the relationship between the two countries?