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

With his Buddy Holly glasses, scruffy boho beard, floppy hair and turtleneck sweater, Adams — who is called the Big Lad — is lazily charismatic, with the precociously paternal air of a cool, or seemingly cool, assistant professor — he calls Dolours, who in real life was only two years younger, “child.”

From Los Angeles 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

But above all, Hodge and Mustafa are charismatic performers with an easy rapport that begs for a reteaming.

From Los Angeles Times

Redmayne describes the original onscreen Jackal as charismatic, but still opaque.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appealing