character

char-ac-ter · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.

  2. 2.

    A person in a novel, play, or movie.

  3. 3.

    A written or printed letter or symbol.

  4. 4.

    An interesting or amusing person.

  5. 5.

    The reputation of a person.

Forms

plural: characters

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in character — consistent with personality
  • •
    out of character — not typical behavior
  • •
    character assassination — destroying someone's reputation
  • •
    character reference — testimony about someone's qualities
  • •
    a character — an eccentric or amusing person

Related words

See also: nature, personality, role, symbol
Synonyms: figure, nature, persona, personality

Etymology

From Greek "kharaktēr" meaning engraved mark or symbol, from "kharassein" meaning to engrave.