caracterizar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The word "caracterizar" is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

/kaɾakteɾiˈθaɾ/ (Spain) or /kaɾakteɾiˈzaɾ/ (Latin America)

Translation Options into English

• to characterize
• to define
• to describe

Meaning and Usage

The verb "caracterizar" means to describe the distinctive traits or qualities of someone or something. It is used to provide a detailed account of characteristics that define a person, object, or situation. The frequency of use can be considered moderate; it appears both in oral speech and written contexts, with a slight preference for written language, especially in academic or formal texts where detailed descriptions are required.

Example Sentences

1. Es importante caracterizar correctamente a los personajes de una novela.

2. It is important to correctly characterize the characters of a novel.

3. Los científicos intentan caracterizar las propiedades del nuevo material.

4. Scientists are trying to characterize the properties of the new material.

5. El crítico se tomó su tiempo para caracterizar la obra de arte.

6. The critic took his time to characterize the artwork.

Idiomatic Expressions

The verb "caracterizar" is not frequently used in idiomatic expressions, but it can be part of phrases that involve characteristics or defining traits.

Example Idiomatic Sentences

1. La forma en que se comportó durante la reunión lo caracteriza como un líder.

2. The way he behaved during the meeting characterizes him as a leader.

3. En esta evaluación, se caracterizarán las debilidades y fortalezas del equipo.

4. In this evaluation, the weaknesses and strengths of the team will be characterized.

5. Su amor por las artes lo caracteriza como una persona apasionada.

6. His love for the arts characterizes him as a passionate person.

Etymology

The word "caracterizar" comes from the Latin "characterizare," which is derived from "character" (character, trait) and the suffix "-izar" which indicates an action. The root "character" traces back to Greek "kharaktēr," meaning a mark or distinctive feature.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Definir (to define)
• Describir (to describe)
• Delimitar (to delimit)

Antonyms

• Confundir (to confuse)
• Ocultar (to hide)
• Sutilizar (to obscure)

This comprehensive overview outlines the usage, meanings, and relevant characteristics of the Spanish verb "caracterizar."