Meaning & use
characteristics
Last updated
“characteristics” is a form of “characteristic”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nouncountable
Typical features or qualities that make someone or something different from others.
Grammar: Countable noun; use 'a characteristic' for one, 'characteristics' for more than one.
Patterns
- characteristics of someone/something
- physical characteristics
- key characteristics
The main characteristics of this bird are its long beak and bright feathers.
Honesty and kindness are important characteristics of a good friend.
Scientists studied the physical characteristics of the new species.
Word forms
| singular | characteristic |
|---|
Common combinations
- physical characteristics
- The physical characteristics of the twins are very similar.
- key characteristics
- What are the key characteristics of a successful team?
- characteristics of
- The characteristics of this material make it perfect for building.
- personal characteristics
- Her personal characteristics include patience and a sense of humor.
Synonyms and how they differ
- features
- Features often refers to visible or noticeable parts, while characteristics can include hidden qualities like personality traits.
- traits
- Traits usually describe a person's character, while characteristics can describe objects, animals, or groups too.
- qualities
- Qualities often suggest a judgment of good or bad, but characteristics are neutral descriptions.
Word family
- characteristic adjective
- Typical of a person or thing; e.g., 'a characteristic smile'.
- characteristically adverb
- In a way that is typical of someone or something.
- characterize verb
- To describe the typical qualities of something.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'characteristics' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 0 correctly uses 'characteristics' as a plural noun meaning typical features. Option 1 uses it as a verb, but the verb is 'characterize'. Option 2 uses 'characteristic' as an adjective incorrectly. Option 3 has a subject-verb agreement error: 'characteristic' is singular and should take 'is', not 'are'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “characteristics”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.