1.  characterize(v = verb.communication) characterise, qualify - describe or portray the character or the qualities or peculiarities of; "You can characterize his behavior as that of an egotist"; "This poem can be characterized as a lament for a dead lover"
is one way to remember, think of
Derived forms noun character₂, noun characterization₂
Sample sentences: Somebody ----s something; Somebody ----s somebody; Something ----s somebody; Something ----s something

2.  characterize(v = verb.stative) characterise - be characteristic of; "What characterizes a Venetian painting?"
is one way to differentiate, distinguish, mark
Derived form noun character₂
Sample sentences: Something ----s somebody; Something ----s something

1.  To make distinct and recognizable by peculiar marks or traits; to make with distinctive features. [1913 Webster]
"European, Asiatic, Chinese, African, and Grecian faces are Characterized." [1913 Webster]

2.  To engrave or imprint. Sir M. Hale. [1913 Webster]

3.  To indicate the character of; to describe. [1913 Webster]
"Under the name of Tamerlane he intended to characterize King William." [1913 Webster]

4.  To be a characteristic of; to make, or express the character of. [1913 Webster]
"The softness and effeminacy which characterize the men of rank in most countries."

5.  to identify the structure or nature of; as, the antibiotic activity in the sample was characterized by HPLC, and proved to be erythromycin. [PJC]

characterize, v.tr. (also -ise)
1 a describe the character of. b (foll. by as) describe as.
2 be characteristic of.
3 impart character to.

Derivative:
characterization n.

Etymology:
F caract{eacute}riser or med.L characterizare f. Gk kharakterizo

VB  name, call, term, denominate designate, style, entitle, clepe, dub, christen, baptize, characterize, specify, define, distinguish by the name of, label, be called, take the name of, bean the name of, go by the name of, be known by the name of, go under the name of, pass under the name of, rejoice in the name of.

VB  describe, set forth, draw a picture, picture, portray, characterize, particularize, narrate, relate, recite, recount, sum up, run over, recapitulate, rehearse, fight one's battles over again, unfold a tale, tell, give an account of, render an account of, report, make a report, draw up a statement, detail, enter into particulars, enter into details, descend to particulars, descend to details, itemize.