characterization

noun

char·​ac·​ter·​i·​za·​tion ˌker-ik-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌka-rik-

: the act of characterizing

especially : the artistic representation (as in fiction or drama) of human character or motives

the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others

Examples of characterization in a Sentence

The reporter was criticized for his characterization of the people of the town as poor and uneducated.

News reporting requires accurate characterization.

The class discussed the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others.

The story has good characterization.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hoover also countered Zeldin's characterization of the use of a bank as a financial agent. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025

The characterization of the system indicated a couple of major limits, though. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025

But Selänne doesn’t necessarily disagree with the characterization. —Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025

To once again indulge Thomas Kuhn’s overused characterization of fundamental shifts in worldview, what is required is a paradigm shift. —Winslow Myers, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see character entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing characterization

• self-characterization

Rhymes for characterization

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

Kids Definition

characterization

noun

char·​ac·​ter·​i·​za·​tion ˌkar-ik-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: the act of characterizing

2

: the creation of characters (as in a book or play)