Geologists characterize the region by its distinctive layers of sedimentary rock, which reveal millions of years of history.
地质学家将该地区描述为具有独特的沉积岩层，这些岩层揭示了数百万年的历史。
Which choice best defines “characterize”?
B — Describe qualities. “characterize” means describe qualities.
Which word means “describe qualities”?
B — characterize. “characterize” means describe qualities.
characterize — describe qualities. In Chinese: 描述，具有……特征.
characterize is pronounced /ˈkærɪktəraɪz/.
Geologists characterize the region by its distinctive layers of sedimentary rock, which reveal millions of years of history. (地质学家将该地区描述为具有独特的沉积岩层，这些岩层揭示了数百万年的历史。)
describe, depict, define — all close in meaning to characterize (describe qualities).
misrepresent, distort — each the opposite of characterize (describe qualities).
Yes. characterize is on the SAT Prep Easy list — mid-frequency academic words that do get tested. 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.
character(characteristic or quality)