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

Speaking some time after the service, Rob Kantor, vice president at the synagogue, described Mr Cravitz as a "loving, charismatic, humourous man who always meant well and loved his community and loved his family".

From BBC

At the Roxy, the show was an immediate sensation, fueled by Curry’s wildly charismatic performance.

From Los Angeles Times

Those who have met Victor say is the most charismatic of the quartet and the most sharply dressed, with designer brown leather boots making him look good even in an orange flight suit.

From BBC

George Clooney, “Jay Kelly” “Two standouts dominate a crowded field. Michael B. Jordan plays charismatic twins in ‘Sinners,’ and Leonardo DiCaprio chases after his kidnapped daughter in ‘One Battle after Another.’

From Los Angeles Times

“Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting — and one of the finest actors ever,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

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.