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Definition character in British English

character noun

noun
/ˈkærɪktə(r)/
1

the qualities that make up someone's personality

Example

Stinginess with money was one aspect of Steve's character that I didn't like.

Example

I can't understand why Simon refused to help; it seems so out of character.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

the qualities that people from a particular place are believed to have

Example

He understood so much about our national character.

Synonyms and related words
2

the qualities that make something clearly different from anything else

Example

Each of his books has its own distinctive character.

Example

The two villages are similar in size but very different in character.

Example

The house was not in keeping with the character of the surrounding area.

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2.1

a quality that makes something interesting or attractive

Example

a traditional hotel with a lot of character and charm

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3

someone's reputation, especially when this shows how honest or reliable they are

Example

How dare she cast a slur on my character?

Example

My client is a man of good character.

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4

a person in a book, play, film etc

Example

The book has a solid plot and likeable characters.

Example

The film's central character is played by George Clooney.

Synonyms and related words
Example

McMahon is one of the sport's most colourful characters.

Example

a shady/suspicious/unsavoury character

Example

Jake used to be pretty wild, but he's a reformed character now.

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5.1

someone with special qualities that make them different from most people and interesting to know

Example

She was quite a character, I can tell you.

Example

You'd like Joe, he's a real character.

Synonyms and related words
Example

She had to stand up and make a speech to 500 people, so it was quite a test of character.

Example

The team showed real character in coming back from two goals down.

Example

the idea of competitive sport as a character-building activity

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7

a letter, number, or symbol that is written, printed, or used in computer programs

Example

The password may be up to 12 characters long.

Synonyms and related words
Definition character in British English