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characters

 - 7 dictionary results

char⋅ac⋅ter

  [kar-ik-ter]
–noun
1. the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing.
2. one such feature or trait; characteristic.
3. moral or ethical quality: a man of fine, honorable character.
4. qualities of honesty, courage, or the like; integrity: It takes character to face up to a bully.
5. reputation: a stain on one's character.
6. good repute.
7. an account of the qualities or peculiarities of a person or thing.
8. a person, esp. with reference to behavior or personality: a suspicious character.
9. Informal. an odd, eccentric, or unusual person.
10. a person represented in a drama, story, etc.
11. a part or role, as in a play or film.
12. a symbol as used in a writing system, as a letter of the alphabet.
13. the symbols of a writing system collectively.
14. a significant visual mark or symbol.
15. status or capacity: the character of a justice of the peace.
16. a written statement from an employer concerning the qualities of a former employee.
17. Literature. (esp. in 17th- and 18th-century England) a formal character sketch or descriptive analysis of a particular human virtue or vice as represented in a person or type. Compare character sketch.
18. Genetics. any trait, function, structure, or substance of an organism resulting from the effect of one or more genes as modified by the environment.
19. Computers.
a. any symbol, as a number, letter, punctuation mark, etc., that represents data and that, when encoded, is usable by a machine.
b. one of a set of basic symbols that singly or in a series of two or more represents data and, when encoded, is usable in a computer.
20. a style of writing or printing.
21. Roman Catholic Theology. the ineffaceable imprint received on the soul through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and ordination.
22. (formerly) a cipher or cipher message.
–adjective
23. Theater.
a. (of a part or role) representing a personality type, esp. by emphasizing distinctive traits, as language, mannerisms, physical makeup, etc.
b. (of an actor or actress) acting or specializing in such roles.
–verb (used with object) Archaic.
24. to portray; describe.
25. to engrave; inscribe.
—Idioms
26. in character,
a. in harmony with one's personal character or disposition: Such behavior is not in character for him.
b. in accordance with the role or personality assumed in a performance: an actor in character.
27. out of character,
a. out of harmony with one's personal character or disposition: Her remarks were out of character.
b. away from the role or personality assumed in a performance: The actor stepped out of character.
Use characters in a Sentence
Origin:
1275–1325; < L < Gk charaktr graving tool, its mark, equiv. to charak- (base of charáttein to engrave) + -tēr agent suffix; r. ME caractere < MF < L, as above

Related forms:
char⋅ac⋅ter⋅less, adjective

Synonyms:
1. Character, individuality, personality refer to the sum of the characteristics possessed by a person. Character refers esp. to moral qualities, ethical standards, principles, and the like: a man of sterling character. Individuality refers to the distinctive qualities that make one recognizable as a person differentiated from others: a woman of strong individuality. Personality refers particularly to the combination of outer and inner characteristics that determine the impression that a person makes upon others: a child of vivid or pleasing personality. 5. name, repute. See reputation. 14. sign.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To characters
char·ac·ter   (kār'ək-tər)   
n.  

  1. The combination of qualities or features that distinguishes one person, group, or thing from another. See Synonyms at disposition.

  2. A distinguishing feature or attribute, as of an individual, group, or category. See Synonyms at quality.

  3. Genetics A structure, function, or attribute determined by a gene or group of genes.

  4. Moral or ethical strength.

  5. A description of a person's attributes, traits, or abilities.

  6. A formal written statement as to competency and dependability, given by an employer to a former employee; a recommendation.

  7. Public estimation of someone; reputation: personal attacks that damaged her character.

  8. Status or role; capacity: in his character as the father.

    1. A notable or well-known person; a personage.

    2. A person, especially one who is peculiar or eccentric: a shady character; catcalls from some character in the back row.

    3. A person portrayed in an artistic piece, such as a drama or novel.

    4. Characterization in fiction or drama: a script that is weak in plot but strong in character.

    5. One of a set of symbols, such as letters or numbers, that are arranged to express information.

    6. The numerical code representing such a character.

    1. A person portrayed in an artistic piece, such as a drama or novel.

    2. Characterization in fiction or drama: a script that is weak in plot but strong in character.

    3. One of a set of symbols, such as letters or numbers, that are arranged to express information.

    4. The numerical code representing such a character.

  11. A mark or symbol used in a writing system.

  12. Computer Science

    1. One of a set of symbols, such as letters or numbers, that are arranged to express information.

    2. The numerical code representing such a character.

  13. A style of printing or writing.

  14. A symbol used in secret writing; a cipher or code.

adj.  

  1. Of or relating to one's character.

    1. Specializing in the interpretation of often minor roles that emphasize fixed personality traits or specific physical characteristics: a character actor.

    2. Of or relating to the interpretation of such roles by an actor: the character part of the hero's devoted mother.

  3. Dedicated to the portrayal of a person with regard to distinguishing psychological or physical features: a character sketch.

  4. Law Of or relating to a person who gives testimony as to the moral and ethical reputation or behavior of one engaged in a lawsuit: a character witness.

tr.v.   charac·tered, charac·ter·ing, charac·ters Archaic

  1. To write, print, engrave, or inscribe.

  2. To portray or describe.


[Middle English carecter, distinctive mark, imprint on the soul, from Old French caractere, from Latin charactēr, from Greek kharaktēr, from kharassein, to inscribe, from kharax, kharak-, pointed stick.]
char'ac·ter·less adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Cultural Dictionary

character

A person in a literary work. For example, Ebenezer Scrooge is a character in A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

character 
c.1315, from O.Fr. caractere, from L. character, from Gk. kharakter "engraved mark," from kharassein "to engrave," from kharax "pointed stake." Meaning extended by metaphor to "a defining quality."
"You remember Eponina, who kept her husband alive in an underground cavern so devotedly and heroically? The force of character she showed in keeping up his spirits would have been used to hide a lover from her husband if they had been living quietly in Rome. Strong characters need strong nourishment." [Stendhal, "De l'Amour" 1822]
Sense of "person in a play or novel" is first attested 1664, in reference to the "defining qualities" he or she is given by the author. The Latin ch- spelling was restored 1500s. Characteristic is from 1664.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: char·ac·ter
Pronunciation: 'kar-ik-t&r
Function: noun
1 : one of the attributes or features that make up anddistinguish 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 andoften individualizing a person, group, or nation
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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character char·ac·ter (kār'ək-tər)
n.
An attribute, trait, or distinct structural or functional feature. Also called characteristic.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Science Dictionary
character   (kār'ək-tər)  Pronunciation Key 

  1. Genetics A structure, function, or attribute determined by a gene or a group of genes.

  2. Computer Science A symbol, such as a letter, number, or punctuation mark, that occupies one byte of memory. See more at ASCII.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
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