To describe someone or something by mentioning their particular qualities or characteristics; to be typical of or define the nature of something.
From Greek 'charakter' (mark, impression) via Latin 'character,' with the verb suffix '-ise' (British) or '-ize' (American), meaning to mark with a character or give character to.
What characterises a good friend? What characterises the color red? This verb turns abstract qualities into something you can point to and describe—it's basically 'to give character to.'
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