CHARACTERISTIC.
Synonyms:
| attribute, | feature, | peculiarity, | sign, | trace, |
| character, | indication, | property, | singularity, | trait. |
| distinction, | mark, | quality, | ||
A characteristic belongs to the nature or character of the person, thing, or class, and serves to identify an object; as, a copper-colored skin, high cheek-bones, and straight, black hair are characteristics of the American Indian. A sign is manifest to an observer; a mark or a characteristic may be more difficult to discover; an insensible person may show signs of life, while sometimes only close examination will disclose marks of violence. Pallor is ordinarily a mark of fear; but in some brave natures it is simply a characteristic of intense earnestness. Mark is sometimes used in a good, but often in a bad sense; we speak of the characteristic of a gentleman, the mark of a villain. Compare [ATTRIBUTE]; [CHARACTER].
CHARMING.
Synonyms:
| bewitching, | delightful, | enrapturing, | fascinating, |
| captivating, | enchanting, | entrancing, | winning. |
That is charming or bewitching which is adapted to win others as by a magic spell. Enchanting, enrapturing, entrancing represent the influence as not only supernatural, but irresistible and delightful. That which is fascinating may win without delighting, drawing by some unseen power, as a serpent its prey; we can speak of horrible fascination. Charming applies only to what is external to oneself; delightful may apply to personal experiences or emotions as well; we speak of a charming manner, a charming dress, but of delightful anticipations. Compare [AMIABLE]; [BEAUTIFUL].