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

noncharacterized adjective
uncharacterized adjective
well-characterized adjective

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.

The researchers characterized the device as needed to help develop marine resources.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

He characterized AI as a “seminal shift” and one of the fastest-moving technologies in history.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

He characterized the historic site as “rusting and rotting.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Since becoming president, Trump has essentially replicated the formula that characterized his career as a businessman: promoting his name like a brand, engraved in gold letters on his golf clubs, hotels and merchandise.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Lembede’s Africanism was not universally supported because his ideas were characterized by a racial exclusivity that disturbed some of the other Youth Leaguers.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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