1. describing or portraying the distinctive qualities or features of someone or something
Usage: present participle of characterise (British spelling); American spelling is 'characterizing'
2. being a typical or distinctive feature of someone or something
Usage: present participle of characterise (British spelling)

Examples

• The author is characterising the protagonist as a brave and determined individual.
• What is characterising modern technology is its rapid pace of innovation.
• The report is characterising the economic situation as stable but uncertain.
• Honesty is characterising her approach to leadership.
• The study is characterising the disease by its early symptoms.
• What characterises this era is the rise of digital communication.