characters - Master This Word
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characters Word Meanings
- a person in a story, movie, or play
- a trait or feature of someone's personality
- a letter or symbol in writing or printing
characters Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
characters Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈkær.ək.tə/
US
/ˈkɛr.ɪk.tɚ/
characters Word Etymology
The word 'character' comes from the Greek 'charaktēr', meaning 'a stamp or mark'. It evolved through Latin ('character') and Old French into English. Imagine a classic author crafting a tale with vivid characters, making an indelible mark on readers' minds.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Hands on the page, I tilt the book and move my finger along the margin, then turn to a new page where a character steps into the light. I watch how they act under pressure, and I push a question about them into my own chest, trying to feel what this person would choose. The effort tightens my grip, and I adjust my pace as the scene shifts, sensing a character's mood change with each choice they make. By the end I realize the meaning isn't in a label, but in the little moves I notice and the way I keep following their pulse.
Real Context
Character is a word with several related meanings in English. In fiction, a character is a person who drives the story, with distinct traits, goals, and quirks that shape how events unfold. Beyond people, a character can also refer to a trait or feature of someone's personality, such as courage, honesty, or generosity. In writing and printing, a character means any single letter, number, symbol, or mark used in a script. When you meet a well-drawn character in a novel, you notice their speech, decisions, and growth, and the author often uses these features to reveal themes and evoke empathy from readers.
Usage Reminders
- Character can mean a person in a story, a trait of someone's personality, or a single letter or symbol.
- Look for context clues to decide which meaning is intended.
- When describing a person, focus on actions and dialogue to reveal character.
- In writing and printing, treat each character as a unit like a letter or digit.
- A well-developed character can reveal themes and evoke empathy in the reader.
Common Misconceptions
- Character only means a fictional person, not a real one.
- Character and personality are the same thing in all contexts.
- A character is always a person, never a trait or symbol.
- Charisma is the same as character.
- In English, character and ‘role’ are interchangeable in every sentence.
Thinking Differences
Think in English terms: character can be a person, a trait, or a symbol, so context is essential to choose the right meaning.
Learning Tips
- 1) Identify which meaning is intended from the surrounding words.
- 2) Connect the meaning to the noun it describes (person, trait, or symbol).
- 3) Practice using all three senses in simple sentences.
- 4) Pay attention to collocations like 'character in a story' vs 'a strong character'.
- 5) Distinguish between 'character' and 'charisma' or 'character trait' to avoid confusion.
- 6) Read varied examples to see how context shifts meaning.
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