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charismatic
[ kar-iz-mat-ik ]
adjective
- of, having, or characteristic of charisma:
His military successes go hand in hand with his charismatic leadership.
- (of a species, especially an endangered one) prone to popular appeal and widespread attention:
The giant panda and humpback whale are among the charismatic megafauna that attract donors who contribute to environmental causes.
- relating to, characterizing, or noting Christians of various denominations who seek an ecstatic religious experience, sometimes including speaking in tongues and instantaneous healing.
noun
- a Christian who seeks an ecstatic religious experience:
For most charismatics, theology is inseparable from the Bible.
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Other Words From
- nonchar·is·matic adjective
- unchar·is·matic adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of charismatic1
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Example Sentences
Chávez, a high-ranking military officer, was charismatic and popular.
Like Son, he’s a charismatic leader espousing a long-term vision of where technology is headed.
For many Cuban Americans, that one side is a charismatic immigrant preaching with the zeal of a convert.
According to longtime Democratic fundraiser Sally Susman, “a very compelling and charismatic female candidate” can encourage women donors to expand their own political clout.
A different sort of charismatic leadership has proven far more effective, with women leaders shining.
He was also a charismatic, telegenic speaker with a face improved by plastic surgery several years earlier.
Some imagine Senator Elizabeth Warren as the charismatic leader of a progressive version of the “tea party.”
The charismatic bearded revolucionario dressed in a dark olive uniform promised to restore order and hold elections.
This band is different from the rock groups that go in for charismatic lighting and sing of love and/or sex.
Clearly, Rampal is a charismatic leader who has used his power in weird, possibly criminal ways.
I refer particularly to the charismatic organization and government of the church.
Paul had in Corinth, contemporaneously with his description of the charismatic state of the church there, to denounce sad abuses.
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Related Words
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More About Charismatic
What does charismatic mean?
Charismatic is used to describe people who have an outgoing, energetic, and likable personality that seems to naturally draw other people to them.
Charismatic is the adjective form of the noun charisma, which refers to the magnetic and charming personal quality that draws people to someone. A person with charisma is thought to be able to easily influence others.
Charismatic is most often used in a positive way as a compliment, but it can also be applied to people who influence others in a negative way, such as a charismatic cult leader.
The word is also used in a more specific way to refer to Christians who pursue ecstatic or trancelike religious experiences (like speaking in tongues) that are outside of more mainstream beliefs.
Example: People like a candidate who’s charismatic and can get them excited, not someone who just drones on about facts and figures.
Where does charismatic come from?
The first records of the word charismatic come from the 1800s. Its base word charisma is first recorded in the 1600s and comes from the Greek kharisma, meaning “grace” or “favor.” The term was originally used in a religious sense in reference to a type of spiritual quality.
Someone who’s charismatic can command a room and have everyone hanging on their every word. The word implies that a person can easily attract followers. For this reason, charismatic people are especially successful in politics, entertainment, romance, and any other activity that involves winning people over.
However, describing someone as charismatic doesn’t necessarily mean that they use these powers for good. Con artists, cult leaders, and crooked politicians can be described as charismatic.
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What are some other forms related to charismatic?
- noncharismatic (adjective)
- uncharismatic (adjective)
What are some synonyms for charismatic?
What are some words that share a root or word element with charismatic?
What are some words that often get used in discussing charismatic?
How is charismatic used in real life?
Charismatic is typically used in a positive way to compliment someone’s personality. It’s most often applied to people who are easily likeable.
idc what anyone says the rock is the most charismatic person alive
— mark (@markkhayatv) November 26, 2019
I just need my new followers to know that I am very charismatic and my headshots are laminated
— nicholas (hoop) (@HoopSwoop) March 14, 2020
Just as charismatic as Julius Caesar and just as ambitious as Alexander the Great. That's me in a nutshell
— MuSTAFa (@mfarah05) October 16, 2013
Try using charismatic!
Which of the following things would it be easy for a charismatic person to get people to do?
A. like them
B. listen to them
C. follow them
D. all of the above
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