- character
-
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English caracter, from Latin character mark, distinctive quality, from Greek charaktēr, from charassein to scratch, engrave; perhaps akin to Lithuanian žerti to scratch
Date: 14th century
1.
a. a conventionalized graphic device placed on an object as an indication of ownership, origin, or relationship
b. a graphic symbol (as a hieroglyph or alphabet letter) used in writing or printing
c. a magical or astrological emblem
d. alphabet
e.
(1) writing, printing
(2) style of writing or printing
(3) cipher
f. a symbol (as a letter or number) that represents information; also a representation of such a character that may be accepted by a computer
2.
a. one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual
b.
(1) a feature used to separate distinguishable things into categories; also a group or kind so separated <advertising of a very primitive character> (2) the detectable expression of the action of a gene or group of genes (3) the aggregate of distinctive qualities characteristic of a breed, strain, or type <a wine of great character> c. the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation <the character of the American people> d. main or essential nature especially as strongly marked and serving to distinguish <excess sewage gradually changed the character of the lake> 3. position, capacity <his character as a town official> 4. reference 4b 5. reputation <the scandal has damaged his character and image> 6. moral excellence and firmness <a man of sound character> 7. a. a person marked by notable or conspicuous traits <quite a character> b. one of the persons of a drama or novel c. the personality or part which an actor recreates <an actress who can create a character convincingly> d. characterization especially in drama or fiction e. person, individual <a suspicious character> 8. a short literary sketch of the qualities of a social type Synonyms: see disposition, quality, type • characterless adjective II. transitive verb Date: 1591 1. archaic engrave, inscribe 2. a. archaic represent, portray b. characterize III. adjective Date: 1883 1. capable of portraying an unusual or eccentric personality often markedly different from the player <a character actor> 2. requiring the qualities of a character actor <a character role>
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.
