charisma

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "charisma" is correct and widely used in written English.
You can use the word to describe a person's charm or attractive quality, such as: "She has a special charisma that immediately lights up a room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I see the real Jonathan as less extrovert, more vulnerable and with a quiet charisma of his own.

The Guardian - Film

Godders "Eight pints" Bloom was exiled for hurling a Nazi jibe, and the leader, Nigel Farage, famously went verbal at EU president Herman Van Rompuy, accusing him of having "all the charisma of a damp rag and the appearance of a low-grade bank clerk".

The Guardian

Some may feel that all this is a little extravagant for an author who had not the intellectual capacity of Jean-Paul Sartre, nor the story-telling skill of François Mauriac, nor the charisma of André Malraux: three of the many rivals trailing behind in the glory stakes.

The Guardian - Books

He has such charisma and a quality to his voice.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was always all about him, the way he walked in, his charisma.

The Guardian - Sport

The Frenchman, still wearing the No7 from his Manchester United heyday, has charisma but also an edge of menace.

The Guardian - Sport

Craig was this tall, incredibly handsome guy, and he had this extraordinary charisma.

The Guardian

We've always been fascinated by aged bodies, particularly bodies, like those of Falstaff, Mr Burns, even Jimmy Savile, which seem to maintain charisma even as they repel us.

The Guardian - Opinion

These weren't emotions I would have predicted, given who he was, and the impact he had had on my life, but, this was late in the 1970s, and by then his audience had dwindled and his charisma had begun to fade.

The Guardian

Gary Barlow might have thought he was doing David Cameron an enormous favour by hovering his tornado-sized charisma void over the Conservative campaign in 2010, but the scale of Barlow's tax avoidance has repeatedly come along to kick Cameron in the arse in the years since then.

The Guardian

It can convey a fervidly sought-after, though nebulous, charisma (which many of the worst affected yearn to somehow buy) … though of course my usage is heavily ironic.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context. "Charisma" can be positive, describing a beloved leader, or used with caution when discussing potentially manipulative figures.

Common error

Avoid using "charisma" simply to mean someone is well-liked. "Charisma" implies a deeper, more compelling quality that inspires strong emotions and often influences others' actions.

Linguistic Context

"Charisma" functions as a noun, referring to a compelling attractiveness or charm that inspires devotion in others. Ludwig AI identifies its use across diverse contexts, confirming its role in describing influential figures and captivating qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

14%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Charisma" is a commonly used noun to describe a compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion and influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various fields, particularly in news, sports, and business contexts. While generally positive, "charisma" can be used with caution, as it can be associated with manipulative figures. When writing, remember that "charisma" implies more than just being liked; it describes a deeper quality that commands attention. Consider using alternatives like "personal magnetism" or "appeal" depending on your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Personal magnetism

Focuses on the attractive and compelling quality of a person's personality.

Compelling charm

Highlights the delightful and irresistible nature of someone's personality.

Alluring personality

Emphasizes the captivating and fascinating aspects of an individual.

Winning personality

Suggests a personality that is naturally likable and successful in social interactions.

Captivating presence

Underscores the attention-grabbing and mesmerizing quality of someone's demeanor.

Natural leadership

Highlights the innate capacity to guide and inspire others.

Innate appeal

Focuses on the inherent and effortless attractiveness of a person.

Magnetic personality

Uses a metaphor to convey how easily someone attracts and holds attention.

Inspiring presence

Points out the ability to motivate and uplift others through one's personality.

Personal appeal

Emphasizes attractiveness and positive reception of the individual.

FAQs

How to use "charisma" in a sentence?

You can use "charisma" to describe someone's compelling attractiveness and ability to influence others, for example: "The politician's charisma helped him win the election."

What can I say instead of "charisma"?

You can use alternatives like "personal magnetism", "allure", or "appeal" depending on the context.

What does it mean when someone is described as lacking "charisma"?

It implies that they may be competent or intelligent, but they don't inspire strong feelings of admiration, enthusiasm, or loyalty in others.

Is "charisma" always a positive trait?

While often positive, "charisma" can also be associated with manipulative or dangerous figures who use their powerful influence for harmful purposes.