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; charisma, -ic

Example Sentences

Playing opposites, Mr. Fiennes and Mr. O’Connell are excitingly charismatic in the lead roles, and as each pursues his separate path the movie keeps the audience guessing about how they will meet.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her allies in Washington, including several prominent Republican lawmakers, said they hoped that an in-person meeting with the charismatic opposition leader would bring a democratic transition back on the president’s agenda.

From The Wall Street Journal

The character, who is escaping a bleak past in the U.S., is loud and sometimes chaotic, but in a completely charismatic way.

From Los Angeles Times

On a recent morning, Mike, a charismatic, middle-aged chimp, ambled along the savannah floor, baobab fruit dangling by a stem from his mouth -- a snack for later -- as Sadiakhou watched.

From Barron's

Cobb’s unexpected new career prefigured those of the charismatic and authoritative doctor-authors and healthcare influencers guiding women through menopause online today.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• appealing