character
/ˈkærəktər/
noun
Origin
Greek
charaktēr — an engraved mark, a stamping tool
Overview
Meaning Now
- The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
- A person in a novel, play, or movie.
- A printed or written letter or symbol.
Literal older meaning
an engraved mark
Language path
Greek → Latin → Old French → Middle English
Earliest form
character
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word's evolution from a physical tool for engraving to the abstract concept of moral 'character' reflects the way human qualities were historically viewed as being 'etched' or 'impressed' onto a person's soul or nature.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
charaktēr
“a stamping tool or an engraved mark”
Originally referred to the tool used for engraving or the mark itself.
- Latin
character
“a mark, symbol, or distinctive feature”
Adopted from Greek, shifting towards the abstract quality of a mark.
- Middle English
character
“a mark, letter, or distinctive quality”
Used to describe both written symbols and the distinctiveness of a person.
Connections
Word parts
charact-
root
engrave, mark
-er
suffix
agent or tool
Related across languages
German
Charakter
character
French
caractère
character
Explore next
Related to character
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.