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characterize

verb [T] (UK usually characterise)
 
 
/ˈkær.ɪk.tə.raɪz/ US  /ˈker.ɪk.tɚ.aɪz/

Definition

Something that characterizes another thing is typical of it: Bright colours and bold strokes characterize his early paintings.Typifying, illustrating and exemplifyingMeaning and significance to describe something by stating its main qualities: In her essay, she characterizes the whole era as a period of radical change.Defining and explaining
(Definition of characterize verb from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
Focus on the pronunciation of characterize