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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
characterisation
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "characterisation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the portrayal or description of a character in literature, film, or other forms of storytelling. Example: "The characterisation of the protagonist in the novel is complex and multifaceted, revealing their inner struggles and motivations."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Church (1940) repeated this characterisation.
Science
Philosophical commentators offer a more distinctive characterisation.
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It is taken for granted that a probability distribution over at least some region of state space is a meaningful characterisation of the state of a system, and further constraints are usually assumed about what kind of probability distribution this could be.
Science
The more specific an analogy, the stronger; the more abstract the characterisation, the weaker the argument as an analogy.
Science
What is the key characterisation of the vehicle of harm on these facts?
Science
In other cases the category may be incompletely characterised: there will be examples of items falling within the category but no general characterisation of it (see Levenbook 2000, 201 11).
Science
Werndl (2009: §5) endorses a similar characterisation when she proposes that approximate probabilistic irrelevance is the hallmark of unpredictability, and proves that mixing systems exhibit such unpredictability.
Science
The traditional characterisation involves the use of problematic notions analyticity, necessity, and a priority and also fails to apply to many arguments to which defenders have affixed the label "ontological".
Science
A further characterisation of the kind of coherence which is to be sought in legal reasoning may be found in Ronald Dworkin's work.
Science
We should emphasise, however, that this is true only for events in the Bernoulli partition; the characterisation of a Bernoulli system is silent about what random properties partitions other than the Bernoulli partition have.
Science
For Boyd and Richerson it denotes any effort to abstract from a characterisation of individual psychological profiles, in a way that allows an exploration of the consequences of these individual-level dispositions for population-level properties.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing about fictional characters, use "characterisation" to discuss the process of creating and developing their personalities.
Common error
While "characterisation" is the preferred spelling in British English, be mindful of your audience. If writing for an American audience, use the spelling "characterization" to avoid confusion.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The term "characterisation" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act of describing or portraying the qualities of someone or something, often in a narrative or analytical context. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase "characterisation" is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
100%
Less common in
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "characterisation" is a noun that refers to the description or portrayal of qualities, particularly in narrative or analytical contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in science. While the term is common, remember that "characterization" is the American English spelling, be mindful of your target audience, and also there are alternatives such as "portrayal" or "description" that you can consider for an even wider range of potential matches.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
portrayal
Focuses on the act of depicting someone or something in a work of art or literature.
description
A general term for providing details about something, lacking the nuance of "characterisation".
representation
Highlights how something is presented or symbolized, often implying a degree of interpretation.
depiction
Similar to portrayal, but can also refer to a visual rendering.
account
Implies a more detailed and narrative-driven explanation or report.
interpretation
Emphasizes a subjective understanding or explanation of something.
definition
Focuses on providing a precise meaning or scope, often used in technical contexts.
assessment
Involves evaluating or judging something based on certain criteria.
analysis
Suggests a careful examination of something to understand its components and relationships.
outline
Provides a summary or overview of something, lacking the depth of "characterisation".
FAQs
How to use "characterisation" in a sentence?
"Characterisation" is used to describe the act of creating and developing a character in a story or the description of a thing. For example, "The "characterisation" of the protagonist was complex and nuanced."
What can I say instead of "characterisation"?
You can use alternatives like "portrayal", "description", or "representation", depending on the context.
Which is correct, "characterisation" or "characterization"?
"Characterisation" is the British English spelling, while "characterization" is the American English spelling. Both are correct, but choose the spelling that is appropriate for your audience.
What's the difference between "characterisation" and "description"?
"Characterisation" typically refers to the development of a character's traits and personality, especially in fiction. "Description" is a broader term that can refer to any detailed account of something, not just characters.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested