characterized

American

[kar-ik-tuh-rahyzd] / ˈkær ɪk təˌraɪzd /

especially British, characterised

adjective

having been described or distinguished.

Further identification is possible by comparing the unknown organism with a characterized organism.

verb

the simple past tense and past participle of characterize.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of characterized

characterize ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Another member, Mark Jensen, characterized it as “like high school” but with “a lot of retired attorneys with time on their hands.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

From several centimeters to several meters, this flooding is generally characterized by several waves, and the first waves are not necessarily the largest.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

It has characterized these unrealized gains, on its earnings calls, as the fruits of savvy investment shopping.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Litafik, a seasoned Kentucky political strategist, which he characterized as the heart of Massie’s specific brand of conservative politics.

From Salon • May 14, 2026

Lice carried an infectious disease called trench fever, characterized by chills and high fever, which put thousands of men out of action.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023