What is character? Pronunciation and usage in English

character means . Learn how to pronounce and use character through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of character

characternoun

/ˈkarɪktə/
Definition & pronunciation of character

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "character" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Sounds:

  • "char": This part sounds like "shard" (like a piece of broken glass) - /ʃɑːr/
  • "act": This part sounds like "act" - /ækt/
  • "er": This part is pronounced like "er" - /ər/

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced as "SHAR-akt-ər"

Here's a more detailed breakdown with emphasis:

  • SHAR - (Stress is on this syllable) - /ʃɑːr/ - Make a short "sh" sound, followed by a broad "ah" sound.
  • akt - /ækt/ - This is a slightly shorter "a" sound like in "cat," followed by "kt" (like in "next").
  • ər - /ər/ - This is the schwa sound, a very short, relaxed "uh" sound. It’s often barely pronounced, but it's essential.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The absolute best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "character" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/%C3%9Character/ - This is a website with pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce character" on YouTube – you'll find many videos.

  • Slow it Down: Don't try to say it perfectly right away. Practice each syllable separately and then slowly blend them together.

  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Provide a phonetic transcription (a more detailed, technical guide)?
  • Give you some example sentences where you can practice saying "character"?

Usage and examples with the word character in English

Let's break down how to use the word "character" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun – Refers to a Person (Most Common Usage)

  • Personality: This is the most frequent way "character" is used. It describes someone’s moral qualities, personality traits, and how they behave.

    • Example: “She has a strong and kind character.”
    • Example: “His arrogant character made him difficult to work with.”
    • Example: “He’s known for his integrity and good character.”

  • A Fictional Person (in books, movies, etc.): This refers to a person in a story.

    • Example: “Hamlet is a complex character.”
    • Example: “The villain's ruthless character drove the plot.”
    • Example: "The author developed a memorable supporting character."

2. As a Noun – Refers to Distinctive Qualities (General)

  • Distinctiveness/Appearance: This describes something’s appearance, especially the shape or outline.
    • Example: “The building has a quirky character.” (Meaning it looks unique and interesting)
    • Example: “The landscape has a rugged character.” (Meaning it’s uneven and imposing)
    • Example: "The old shoe had a distinctive character." (Referring to its shape)

3. As a Noun – Refers to a Specific Trait or Feature

  • A Feature of Something: This refers to a specific quality or aspect of something, often abstract.
    • Example: "The character of the wood is very soft." (Meaning its texture is soft)
    • Example: "The character of the music is melancholic.” (Meaning it evokes sadness)
    • Example: “He studied the character of the soil.” (Meaning he analyzed its properties)

4. As a Verb – To Shape or Develop

  • To Develop or Form: This means to shape someone’s personality or to create the essence of something.

    • Example: “Parents should try to character their children with good values.”
    • Example: “The sculptor worked to character the statue.” (Meaning she molded it to give it a specific appearance and feel.)

  • To Impress or Influence (Less Common):

    • Example: “The experience characterized her entire life.” (Meaning it had a profound and lasting impact.)

Here’s a table summarizing the different usages:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Personality/Moral Qualities “She has a generous character.”
Noun Fictional Person “Sherlock Holmes is a brilliant character.”
Noun Distinctive Appearance/Quality “The river has a wild character.”
Noun Specific Feature/Property “The clay’s character is pliable.”
Verb To Develop/Shape “He’s trying to characterize his students.”

Tips for Using "Character" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of “character” depends heavily on the context in which it’s used.
  • Be specific: When referring to a person's personality, try to be specific about which qualities you’re describing (e.g., “generous,” “brave,” “honest”).
  • Distinguish from “characterize”: "Character" (as a noun) is different from "characterize" (as a verb – to describe or depict).

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "character" in a specific sentence?
  • Explain the difference between “character” and similar words like “personality” or “trait”?

Synonyms for the word character

Idioms of the word character

in character | out of character
typical/not typical of a person’s character
  • Her behaviour last night was completely out of character.
  • The lawyer argued that his client's violent behaviour was out of character.
in character (with something)
in the same style as something
  • The new wing of the museum was not really in character with the rest of the building.

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