caractérisent

Caractérisent is the third-person plural present tense form of the French verb caractériser, meaning to characterize or to distinguish by a set of features. It is used to describe what traits or properties define a subject or phenomena.

Etymology and meaning: The verb derives from caractère (character, trait) with the productive suffix -iser, forming a verb that denotes attributing or defining features. In use, caractériser conveys identifying distinctive aspects rather than listing all details. The corresponding noun forms are caractérisation and caractéristiques, while the adjective is caractéristique.

Usage and construction: Caractériser is transitive. The subject of the sentence performs the action of characterizing something, with the object being what is characterized. Common constructions include expressions such as “les traits qui caractérisent,” “ce qui caractérise,” and “ces facteurs caractérisent la …” For example: “Les traits qui caractérisent cette espèce incluent la morphologie et le comportement,” or “Ces données caractérisent les tendances économiques émergentes.” In many contexts, the phrase can be followed by “par” to indicate by what features something is characterized, e.g., “characteriser par ses motifs.”

Synonyms and contrast: Related verbs include décrire, définir, distinguer, et dépeindre, with nuances in focus. Caractériser emphasizes the defining or distinguishing features, whereas décrire may be broader. The noun “caractéristiques” refers to the features themselves, while “caractérisation” denotes the act or result of characterizing.

Usage notes: Caractériser is common in academic, scientific, and analytical writing. The form caractérisent specifically signals multiple subjects performing the action in the present tense. The related participle caractère is used in other contexts to discuss attributes of things or persons.