charismatic

[ kar-iz-mat-ik ]

adjective

1. of, having, or characteristic of charisma:

   His military successes go hand in hand with his charismatic leadership.

2. (of a species, especially an endangered one) prone to popular appeal and widespread attention:

   The giant panda and humpback whale are among the charismatic megafauna that attract donors who contribute to environmental causes.

3. relating to, characterizing, or noting Christians of various denominations who seek an ecstatic religious experience, sometimes including speaking in tongues and instantaneous healing.

noun

1. a Christian who seeks an ecstatic religious experience:

   For most charismatics, theology is inseparable from the Bible.

Other Words From

• nonchar·is·matic adjective
• unchar·is·matic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of charismatic¹

First recorded in 1865–70; from Greek charismat-, stem of chárisma “grace, favor” + -ic English adjective suffix; charisma, -ic

Example Sentences

Having played and been in squads with Steve, he is not a maverick and he is not the charismatic leader, but that doesn't mean he can't be a really good coach.

From BBC

As is usual for Lemon, it draws on earlier pieces and is a collaboration with an artistic family of extraordinarily charismatic performers.

From New York Times

His friends describe him as a charismatic orator, who spoke softly and possessed wells of energy for the issues he cared about most.

From Salon

“It’s a very charismatic flower. Its form and coloration are quite striking,” Musial says.

From Los Angeles Times

“We sat there in our living room by candlelight, and John was just as charismatic and funny as he’s always been.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appealing

More About Charismatic

What does charismatic mean?

Charismatic is used to describe people who have an outgoing, energetic, and likable personality that seems to naturally draw other people to them.

Charismatic is the adjective form of the noun charisma, which refers to the magnetic and charming personal quality that draws people to someone. A person with charisma is thought to be able to easily influence others.

Charismatic is most often used in a positive way as a compliment, but it can also be applied to people who influence others in a negative way, such as a charismatic cult leader.

The word is also used in a more specific way to refer to Christians who pursue ecstatic or trancelike religious experiences (like speaking in tongues) that are outside of more mainstream beliefs.

Example: People like a candidate who’s charismatic and can get them excited, not someone who just drones on about facts and figures.

Where does charismatic come from?

The first records of the word charismatic come from the 1800s. Its base word charisma is first recorded in the 1600s and comes from the Greek kharisma, meaning “grace” or “favor.” The term was originally used in a religious sense in reference to a type of spiritual quality.

Someone who’s charismatic can command a room and have everyone hanging on their every word. The word implies that a person can easily attract followers. For this reason, charismatic people are especially successful in politics, entertainment, romance, and any other activity that involves winning people over.

However, describing someone as charismatic doesn’t necessarily mean that they use these powers for good. Con artists, cult leaders, and crooked politicians can be described as charismatic.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to charismatic?

• noncharismatic (adjective)
• uncharismatic (adjective)

What are some synonyms for charismatic?

• magnetic

What are some words that share a root or word element with charismatic? 

• charisma
• charismatize

What are some words that often get used in discussing charismatic?

• speaker
• leader
• actor
• charming
• attractive
• persuasive
• appealing
• alluring
• follower

How is charismatic used in real life?

Charismatic is typically used in a positive way to compliment someone’s personality. It’s most often applied to people who are easily likeable.

idc what anyone says the rock is the most charismatic person alive

— mark (@markkhayatv) November 26, 2019

I just need my new followers to know that I am very charismatic and my headshots are laminated

— nicholas (hoop) (@HoopSwoop) March 14, 2020

Just as charismatic as Julius Caesar and just as ambitious as Alexander the Great. That's me in a nutshell

— MuSTAFa (@mfarah05) October 16, 2013

 

 

Try using charismatic!

Which of the following things would it be easy for a charismatic person to get people to do?

A. like them
B. listen to them
C. follow them
D. all of the above