Is 'characterized by' always followed by a noun?

Usually, it is followed by a noun or noun phrase (e.g., 'characterized by kindness'), but it can also be followed by a gerund (e.g., 'characterized by being unpredictable').

What is the difference between 'described as' and 'characterized as'?

'Described as' is more general. 'Characterized as' implies that the description points to a defining, essential, or typical quality.

Can 'characterized' be used in the active voice?

Yes, but it's less common. Example: 'The historian characterized the period as one of decline.'

Is 'characterized' a formal word?

Yes, it is most at home in formal, academic, analytical, and professional writing. In everyday conversation, words like 'known for' or 'marked by' are more common.

How do you pronounce “characterized”?

Characterized: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkær.ək.tə.raɪzd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈker.ək.tə.raɪzd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

characterized: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

High

UK/ˈkær.ək.tə.raɪzd/US/ˈker.ək.tə.raɪzd/

Formal

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Quick answer

What does “characterized” mean?

Described or marked by distinctive features, qualities, or properties.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Described or marked by distinctive features, qualities, or properties.

Served as a defining or typical example of something; having a specified attribute as a primary feature.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling: British English sometimes uses 'characterised' (with -s-), but the -z- spelling is widely accepted. No significant difference in usage or meaning.

Connotations

Neutral in both varieties. Carries a formal, analytical tone.

Frequency

Equally common in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts in both BrE and AmE.

Grammar

How to Use “characterized” in a Sentence

be characterized by [noun phrase]be characterized as [noun phrase/adjective phrase]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

often characterizedbest characterizedcommonly characterizedtypically characterizedusually characterized

medium

broadly characterizedgenerally characterizedfrequently characterizedaccurately characterized

weak

sometimes characterizedvaguely characterizedonce characterizedwrongly characterized

Examples

Examples of “characterized” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The era was characterised by rapid technological change.
His response characterised the attitude of the entire team.

American English

The region is characterized by harsh winters.
She characterized the proposal as unworkable.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used to describe market conditions or corporate culture, e.g., 'a market characterized by volatility'.

Academic

Frequent in describing eras, theories, or styles, e.g., 'a period characterized by social upheaval'.

Everyday

Less common; used for describing personalities or experiences, e.g., 'His leadership was characterized by honesty.'

Technical

Used in sciences to define species, materials, or processes by their properties.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “characterized”

Strong

definedidentified

Neutral

describedmarkedtypifieddistinguished

Weak

labelledtaggedportrayed

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “characterized”

misrepresentedunmarkedundifferentiatedatypical

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “characterized”

Incorrect preposition: 'characterized with' (use 'by' or 'as').
Spelling confusion: 'characterised' vs 'characterized'.
Using it for a single, temporary action rather than a defining feature.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Usually, it is followed by a noun or noun phrase (e.g., 'characterized by kindness'), but it can also be followed by a gerund (e.g., 'characterized by being unpredictable').
: 'Described as' is more general. 'Characterized as' implies that the description points to a defining, essential, or typical quality.
: Yes, but it's less common. Example: 'The historian characterized the period as one of decline.'
: Yes, it is most at home in formal, academic, analytical, and professional writing. In everyday conversation, words like 'known for' or 'marked by' are more common.
: Described or marked by distinctive features, qualities, or properties.
: Characterized: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkær.ək.tə.raɪzd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈker.ək.tə.raɪzd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Characterized by fits and starts (irregularly, intermittently)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'CHARACTER' + '-IZED' = 'given a specific character or set of features'.

Conceptual Metaphor

FEATURES ARE SIGNATURES (e.g., 'His work is characterized by bold strokes' implies the strokes 'sign' the work).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The negotiation process was by mutual distrust.

Multiple Choice

Which preposition most commonly follows 'characterized' when describing a feature?