5 syllables: char, ac, ter, is, tic. Stress on is.
ker-uhk-tur-IS-tik
/ˌkɛɹəktɚˈɪstɪk/
characteristic is pronounced ker-uhk-tur-IS-tik (/ˌkɛɹəktɚˈɪstɪk/). It has five syllables (char-ac-ter-is-tic), with the stress on "is". As a noun, adjective, as a noun: a feature or quality typical of a person, place, or thing. As an adjective: typical of a particular person, place, or thing; distinctive.
noun, adjectiveAs a noun: a feature or quality typical of a person, place, or thing. As an adjective: typical of a particular person, place, or thing; distinctive.
"One characteristic of diamonds is their hardness."
"She answered with characteristic honesty."
"The city's characteristic skyline is instantly recognizable."
The word "characteristic" is pronounced /ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/ with emphasis on the primary stressed syllable. Click the audio button above to hear the correct pronunciation.
"characteristic" sounds like C-h-a-r-a-c-t-e-r-i-s-t-i-c. The pronunciation follows standard English pronunciation rules.
"characteristic" is considered expert difficult to pronounce. With practice and attention to the audio examples, you can master this pronunciation.
"characteristic" is a noun, adjective. Understanding its grammatical role helps with proper usage.
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription for "characteristic" is /ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/. This provides the most accurate pronunciation guide using standardized phonetic symbols.
Common mistakes when pronouncing "characteristic" include incorrect stress placement and mispronouncing vowel sounds. Listen to the audio example above to learn the correct pronunciation.
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From Greek kharaktēristikos (denoting a distinctive mark), via French caractéristique.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "characteristic" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "characteristic" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "characteristic"
-tic sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
