charismatic

[kar-iz-mat-ik]

adjective

1. of, having, or characteristic of charisma.

   His military successes go hand in hand with his charismatic leadership.

2. (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.

3. relating to, characterizing, or noting Christians of various denominations who seek an ecstatic religious experience, sometimes including speaking in tongues and instantaneous healing.

noun

1. a Christian who seeks an ecstatic religious experience.

   For most charismatics, theology is inseparable from the Bible.

Other Word Forms

• noncharismatic adjective
• uncharismatic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of charismatic¹

First recorded in 1865–70; from Greek charismat-, stem of chárisma “grace, favor” + -ic English adjective suffix; charisma, -ic

Example Sentences

There is more charm than conflict in these sketches, and the earliest glimpses of Scout, Atticus and other charismatic residents of Maycomb County may help to placate a disillusioned fan base.

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Sly, wry, adorable and deplorable, Guillaume Marbeck is priceless as the endlessly irritating and yet frustratingly charismatic Godard in one of the year’s brightest pictures, a rare standout in a sea of multiplex mediocrity.

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Early reviews have been mixed, with US magazine Variety calling season four an "upgrade", while the Guardian says Hemsworth is "as charismatic as a bollard in a wig".

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With days to go in the New York City mayoral contest, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani—often smooth and charismatic—made a real misstep.

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The charismatic Cignetti just started last year and has already gotten a pair of hefty raises because Hoosier Nation is terrified a rich rival will swoop in to take him, most recently Penn State.

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Related Words

• appealing 

When To Use

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.