1
Mark typical feature
Identify a trait commonly found in a category.
Example
Dense ornament is characteristic of the later style.
characteristic of
/ˌkærɪktəˈrɪstɪk əv/ · kar-ik-tuh-RIS-tik uvtypicality phrase
Typical of or distinctive to a person, group, period, or category.
Use characteristic of to signal this exact relationship between ideas: typical of or distinctive to a person, group, period, or category.
What characteristic of Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Identify distinctive behaviour
Connect a pattern to a person or group.
Example
The abrupt transitions are characteristic of her early essays.
3
Support classification
Use a feature to place something within a type.
Example
The mineral banding is characteristic of volcanic formation.
Use characteristic of Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Dense ornament is characteristic of the later style.
The abrupt transitions are characteristic of her early essays.
The mineral banding is characteristic of volcanic formation.
Precision Matters
Characteristic of overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
characteristic of
vs.Signals typical of or distinctive to a person, group, period, or category.
be representative of
Means be typical of, or fairly reflect, a larger group or category.
characteristic of
vs.Signals typical of or distinctive to a person, group, period, or category.
be indicative of
Means serve as a sign or suggestion of a condition or conclusion.
characteristic of
vs.Signals typical of or distinctive to a person, group, period, or category.
idiosyncratic
Means peculiar or distinctive to an individual.
characteristic of
vs.Signals typical of or distinctive to a person, group, period, or category.
anomalous
Means deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected.
Test characteristic of in Context
The borders are a typical feature of the regional manuscript tradition.
1
The repeated geometric borders are ___ manuscripts produced in this region during the twelfth century.