distinguished character

USAGE SUMMARY

"distinguished character" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It refers to a person who is respected and admired for their notable qualities and achievements. Example: The new principal of our school is a distinguished character with over 30 years of experience in education.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He says that the ideal endorser not only should be non-commercial but should have a distinguished character.

The New Yorker

It would be as likely as any that could be divised to produce an Executive Magistrate of distinguished character.

The New Yorker

It would be as likely as any that could be devised to produce an Executive Magistrate of distinguished Character.

The New Yorker

Mr. Buscemi, who played Tony Soprano's cousin in "The Sopranos," is a distinguished character actor and certainly a distinctive one: bug-eyed and cadaverous, he speaks in a tinny voice that sounds like a 33 1/3 r.p.m. record played at 45.

The New York Times - Arts

Arye Gross, a distinguished character actor, plays Benny, Anna's unmarried brother, and in addition to Mr. Loggia and Ms. Clark, the film stars Barbara Barrie, the Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-nominated actress, as Yetta, the grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease.

The New York Times

David Ryall, who has died aged 79, was one of the most distinguished character actors at the National Theatre over many years, playing important roles for successive artistic directors, Laurence Olivier and Peter Hall, in the 1970s and 80s, and appearing in the premieres of plays by Tom Stoppard, Michael Frayn, Peter Shaffer, Adrian Mitchell, Peter Nichols and Simon Gray.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

There are three or four more Howorth brothers, also distinguished characters.

The New Yorker

HBS '49 still produced plenty of distinguished characters.

Forbes

Look for distinguishing character traits.

WikiHow

Indeed, as early as 1911 the Encyclopedia Britannica seems to have summed up the universal love this insect inspires: "There are few groups of animals as to whose limits and distinguishing characters less controversy has arisen".

The New York Times

Cladistic analysis reconstructs relationships among taxa or classes by distinguishing characters that are evolutionarily novel (also termed apomorphic or derived), from those that were present in the last common ancestor of all the taxa under study, which are labelled ancestral or plesiomorphic.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "distinguished character", maintain a tone that reflects the respect and admiration associated with the individual. Avoid using it sarcastically or in contexts that undermine their reputation.

Common error

Avoid using "distinguished character" in casual or overly informal settings. The phrase carries a level of formality that may sound out of place in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinguished character" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in attributing admirable qualities and achievements to an individual. It typically serves to denote someone highly regarded in a particular field or context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinguished character" is a phrase used to describe an individual who is respected and admired for their notable qualities and achievements. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct, although its frequency is uncommon. This phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, signifying a formal and professional register. To maintain proper usage, avoid informal contexts and ensure the phrase reflects genuine admiration. Related phrases like "eminent personality" or "notable individual" can serve as alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Eminent personality

Replaces "character" with "personality" and "distinguished" with "eminent", emphasizing fame and respect.

Notable individual

Substitutes "distinguished character" with a focus on being worthy of attention and respect.

Illustrious figure

Uses "illustrious" to convey high achievement and respect.

Esteemed person

Replaces "character" with "person" and "distinguished" with "esteemed", indicating high regard.

Remarkable personality

Highlights the impressive and noteworthy aspects of the individual.

Respected leader

Implies a person of authority and high moral standing.

Honorable personage

Uses a more formal tone to indicate integrity and high social standing.

Admirable soul

Focuses on the praiseworthy inner qualities of the person.

Prominent citizen

Highlights the individual's importance and influence within a community.

Venerable figure

Suggests a person who is respected due to age, wisdom, or character.

FAQs

How can I use "distinguished character" in a sentence?

You can use "distinguished character" to describe someone who is known and respected for their achievements, like "The university awarded an honorary degree to a "distinguished character" in the field of medicine".

What are some alternatives to "distinguished character"?

Alternatives include "eminent personality", "notable individual", or "illustrious figure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "distinguished character" to describe a fictional person?

Yes, you can use "distinguished character" to describe a fictional person, especially if the character possesses admirable qualities and is well-regarded within the story's context. For example, "Atticus Finch is portrayed as a "distinguished character" in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'".

What is the difference between "distinguished character" and "famous person"?

"Distinguished character" implies respect and admiration for someone's qualities and achievements, while "famous person" simply means someone who is widely known. A "distinguished character" may also be famous, but fame alone does not make someone a "distinguished character".