caracterizar

Senses

1. 1.

   to characterize

   to describe the typical qualities or features of something or someone

2. 2.

   to portray, to play (a role)

   to represent or embody a character, especially in theater or film

3. 3.

   to constitute, to be characteristic of

   to be a defining feature or quality that distinguishes something

Examples

• "É difícil caracterizar a cultura brasileira em poucas palavras."

  It's difficult to characterize Brazilian culture in a few words.

• "O ator passou três horas na maquiagem para caracterizar o vampiro."

  The actor spent three hours in makeup to portray the vampire.

• "A violência doméstica pode caracterizar crime de lesão corporal."

  Domestic violence can constitute the crime of bodily injury.

Usage

Common in formal and academic contexts when describing or defining features. In theater/film contexts, often used reflexively (caracterizar-se) meaning "to get into character/costume." The legal sense "to constitute/qualify as" is frequent in juridical language.