SAT Basic
SAT Prep  /  Words  /  Basic  /  characteristic

characteristic

/ˌkærɪktəˈrɪstɪk/
English Definition
n. a feature or quality that makes something recognizable
中文释义
特征
Example Sentence

A distinctive characteristic of the ancient pottery is its intricate geometric pattern painted in red ochre.

这种古代陶器的一个显著特征是其用红赭石绘制的复杂几何图案。

Know this word? Mark it mastered, or move on.
← Previous Next →

Practice — Definition Match

Which choice best defines “characteristic”?

  1. A Something owned; a possession
  2. B Detailed explanation or exhibition
  3. C Unfair treatment; ability to distinguish
  4. D A feature or quality that makes something recognizable
Show answer

D — A feature or quality that makes something recognizable. “characteristic” means a feature or quality that makes something recognizable.

Practice — Which Word Fits?

Which word means “a feature or quality that makes something recognizable”?

  1. A exposition
  2. B property
  3. C discrimination
  4. D characteristic
Show answer

D — characteristic. “characteristic” means a feature or quality that makes something recognizable.

Common questions about “characteristic”

What does “characteristic” mean?

characteristic — a feature or quality that makes something recognizable. In Chinese: 特征.

How do you pronounce “characteristic”?

characteristic is pronounced /ˌkærɪktəˈrɪstɪk/.

How is “characteristic” used in a sentence?

A distinctive characteristic of the ancient pottery is its intricate geometric pattern painted in red ochre. (这种古代陶器的一个显著特征是其用红赭石绘制的复杂几何图案。)

What are synonyms for “characteristic”?

trait, attribute, feature — all close in meaning to characteristic (a feature or quality that makes something recognizable).

Is “characteristic” an SAT vocabulary word?

Yes. characteristic is on the SAT Prep Basic list — the everyday academic words the SAT assumes you already have. The Digital SAT does not test vocabulary in isolation; words like this one are tested through Words in Context questions, where you choose the word that completes a passage most logically and precisely.

Progress / 学习进度
10%
through SAT Basic
This level: 0 mastered (0% of the level)
The Digital SAT tests vocabulary through Words in Context questions, never as a standalone definition. Learn the word, then use it against a real passage.