charisma

[ kuh-riz-muh ]

noun

, plural cha·ris·ma·ta [k, uh, -, riz, -m, uh, -t, uh].

1. Theology. a divinely conferred gift or power.
2. a spiritual power or personal quality that gives an individual influence or authority over large numbers of people.

   Synonyms: presence, magnetism, charm

3. the special virtue of an office, function, position, etc., that confers or is thought to confer on the person holding it an unusual ability for leadership, worthiness of veneration, or the like.

charisma

/ ˈkærɪzəm; kəˈrɪzmə; ˌkærɪzˈmætɪk /

noun

1. a special personal quality or power of an individual making him capable of influencing or inspiring large numbers of people
2. a quality inherent in a thing which inspires great enthusiasm and devotion
3. Christianity a divinely bestowed power or talent

charisma

1. Extraordinary power and appeal of personality ; natural ability to inspire a large following.

Notes

Political leaders such as John F. Kennedy , religious leaders such as Martin Luther King , Jr., and entertainment figures such as Greta Garbo have all been described as charismatic.

Derived Forms

• charismatic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of charisma¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Late Latin, from Greek, equivalent to char- (base of cháris “favor,” charízesthai “to favor”) + -isma -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of charisma¹

C17: from Church Latin, from Greek kharisma, from kharis grace, favour

Example Sentences

Glover is being remembered not only for his on-air charisma and journalistic passion but also for his big heart and giving nature.

From Los Angeles Times

“He was the voice of a game that we hold close in our hearts. His charisma was palpable, and his excellence was undeniable.”

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps his proprietary blend of celebrity, wealth, shamelessness, dark charisma, powers of intimidation, and talent for manipulating the news cycle—which has granted him the voter enthusiasm and broad impunity that’s kept him on top—is irreplicable by any future candidate.

From Slate

A level of charisma so undeniable it can turn a fictional small-town pie-making contest into a tinderbox of sexual tension.

From Los Angeles Times

He mainly gave him a forum to use his interpersonal charm and charisma.

From Salon

Related Words

• allure
• glamour
• magnetism