charismatic

American  

[kar-iz-mat-ik] / ˌkær ɪzˈmæt ɪk /

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.

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noun

1. a Christian who seeks an ecstatic religious experience.

   For most charismatics, theology is inseparable from the Bible.

Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• noncharismatic
  adjective
• uncharismatic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of charismatic

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

Explanation

If all kinds of people are attracted to you, you are charismatic. Most great leaders in history have been charismatic, like John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. People who have powerful personalities that attract and fascinate other people are charismatic. Charismatic people are popular and beloved: they are full of charm and magnetism. Being charismatic is the opposite of being boring or dull. Often, the term is applied to people in politics, or to religious leaders, but there are charismatic people everywhere.

Example Sentences

As boldly charismatic as Caballero appeared on stage, his path to performing in the family circus was hardly clear-cut.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Paul was a "good guy… a charismatic gentleman" who David "looked up to a lot" and whose sense of judgement he trusted.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

What could be cozier than a flock of charismatic sheep hunting their shepherd’s killer?

From Salon • May 17, 2026

In a composed tone, as his wife sobbed in the audience, he spoke for hours about "Sammy," his "sophisticated and charismatic" daughter.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

For example, among bands and tribes, the big-men of some are inevitably more charismatic, powerful, and skilled in reaching decisions than the big-men of others.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• appealing