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charisma definition

cha·risma (kə riz′mə)

noun pl. charismata -·mata (-mə tə)

  1. Christian Theol. a divinely inspired gift, grace, or talent, as for prophesying, healing, etc.
    also charism char′·ism′ (kar′iz′əm)
  2. a special quality of leadership that captures the popular imagination and inspires allegiance and devotion
  3. a special charm or allure that inspires fascination or devotion the film star's charisma

Etymology: Gr(Ec), gift of God's grace < Gr, favor, grace < charizesthai, to show favor to < charis, grace, beauty, kindness < chairein, to rejoice at < IE base *ĝher-, to desire, like > yearn

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

charisma Synonyms

charisma

n.

allure, charm, magnetism, mystique; see appeal 3.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

charisma Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • leader: The powerful charisma of a leader becomes institutionalized over time.

Converse of object

  • exude: Here he adopts the " Dev from Coronation Street " method of acting as a short hand for exuding academic charisma.

Adjective modifier

  • undoubted: Making good use of Paul Newman's undoubted charisma, the film gives us a 'natural ' rebel.

Modifies a noun

  • by-pass: IDS is the guy that has had a charisma by-pass, just like his buddy John Deadwood!

Noun used with modifier

  • stage: Their performances leap up in quality each time, merging Adam's stage charisma with David's guitar playing gusto.
charisma usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

charisma quotes

Charisma without substance is a dangerous thing.

-Campbell, Kim originally Avril Phaedra Campbell

charisma quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"charisma." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/charisma>

APA Style

charisma. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/charisma

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