charismatic

[ kar-iz-mat-ik ]
/ ˌkær ɪzˈmæt ɪk /

adjective

of, having, or characteristic of charisma.
characterizing Christians of various denominations who seek an ecstatic religious experience, sometimes including speaking in tongues and instantaneous healing.

noun

a Christian who emphasizes such a religious experience.

Origin of charismatic

1865–70; < Greek charismat-, stem of chárisma charisma + -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM charismatic

non·char·is·mat·ic, adjective un·char·is·mat·ic, adjective

VOCAB BUILDER

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.

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What are some other forms related to charismatic?

  • noncharismatic (adjective)
  • uncharismatic (adjective)

What are some synonyms for charismatic?

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

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

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.

 

 

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

Example sentences from the Web for charismatic