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

He was handsome, blond, and charismatic, and everyone on the base knew who he was and what he was training to do.

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Anthony Gottlieb sums him up in an engrossing biography, “Ludwig Wittgenstein: Philosophy in the Age of Airplanes,” writing that “his charismatic gift was to be halting, self-deprecating and imperious all at the same time.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s technological wizardry engineered by the man behind the curtain himself to convince the Munchkins that Glinda, charismatic but haplessly unskilled, has supernatural talents.

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Known for his theatrical and charismatic stage presence, he also went on to pursue a solo career.

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Douglas Century’s “Crash of the Heavens” brings to life the headstrong, charismatic heroine who was both a fearless warrior and a precocious writer.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.