characterized

USAGE SUMMARY

"characterized" is a perfectly valid word in written English.
It is used as a verb meaning to describe or distinguish someone or something by describing their qualities or features. For example, "The novel is characterized by its vivid descriptions and gripping story line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

The Economist

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you're an American, it's a price that has resulted in a recession and recovery characterized by historically high poverty – with 42 million Americans on food stamps – and historically low rates of Americans working, with only 63% of the population gainfully employed.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a report on the Guardian's reporting published on Friday night, the Chicago Tribune characterized local attorneys' perception of the statement as "laughable".

The Guardian

The relatively measured talk on Iraq was the exception, however, in Rubio's appearance Wednesday, which he otherwise used to sharply condemn a White House foreign policy that he characterized as too passive and "unhinged from its moral purpose".

The Guardian

The CIA's chief of interrogations characterized rectal rehydration as a method of "total control" over detainees, and an unnamed person said the procedure helped to "clear a person's head".

The Guardian

The resignation of Suljagić is a sign of Bosnia's lasting incapacity to create public structures characterized by inclusiveness, not division, for all its different citizens.

The Economist

As Ms McArdle (who used to write for The Economist) explains:High-fixed-cost, low-marginal-cost industries are characterized by brutal competition and punishing boom and bust cycles.

The Economist

Second, as our understanding of the commons has become more complex, the design of economic policy instruments has become more sophisticated, enabling policy makers to address problems that are characterized by uncertainty, spatial and temporal heterogeneity, and long duration.

The Economist

Speci cally, 92% of the job loss in these occupations since the mid-1980s occurs within a 12 month window of NBER dated recessions (that have all been characterized by jobless recoveries).

The Economist

Participants discussed the possibility that this recovery could resemble the past two, which were characterized by a slow pace of hiring for a time even after aggregate demand picked up.There is ample reason to feel that the recovery might be weak and jobless.

The Economist

Mr Warawa is characterized by some of his supporters as the last in a long line of people with inconvenient opinions who have faced the prime minister's wrath.Mr Harper has offered to set up a forum where dissident MPs can air their grievances.

The Economist

Even dramatic attempts to protect one's health and minimize the need for health care will not always be successful, and the  health care market is characterized by unpredictable and unavoidable needs for care.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "characterized", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and that the qualities or features used to describe it are specific and relevant. For example, instead of saying "The process is characterized by complexity", specify which aspects of the process make it complex.

Common error

Avoid using "characterized" excessively in the passive voice, as it can make your writing sound vague. Instead of "The problem was characterized by several issues", try "Several issues characterized the problem" to make the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "characterized" is as a past participle or past tense verb. It is used to describe something by stating its qualities or features, often indicating a defining aspect. Ludwig's AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

The Economist

14%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "characterized" is a versatile verb form used to describe something by highlighting its key features or qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across a range of contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. When using "characterized", ensure that you're providing specific and relevant details about the subject, and avoid overuse of the passive voice to maintain clarity and impact. Semantically related alternatives include "distinguished by", "marked by", and "defined by", which can add variety to your writing. Ludwig can help you to find even more examples of "characterized" in context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguished by

Focuses on the unique qualities that set something apart.

marked by

Highlights prominent features or attributes.

defined by

Emphasizes the essential qualities that determine the nature of something.

known for

Indicates a widely recognized or notable quality.

identified by

Stresses the features used to recognize or classify something.

featured by

Highlights prominent or important elements.

exemplified by

Indicates that something serves as a typical example.

typified by

Suggests something is representative of a particular type.

reflected in

Indicates that something is shown or represented in a particular way.

demonstrated by

Focuses on showing or proving something through specific examples or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "characterized" in a sentence?

You can use "characterized" to describe the distinct qualities or features of something. For example, "The economic recession was "characterized by" high unemployment rates and decreased consumer spending."

What are some alternatives to "characterized"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "distinguished by", "marked by", or "defined by" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "characterized by" or "characterized with"?

"Characterized by" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Characterized with" is less common and can sound awkward. Always prefer ""characterized by"".

What's the difference between "characterized" and "described"?

"Characterized" implies identifying the key or typical features of something, while "described" simply means giving details about something. "Characterized" suggests a deeper analysis, while "described" is a more general term. For instance, the report "described the events", but the analysis "characterized the era".