'characterize' originates from the Greek word 'kharaktēr,' where 'kharaktēr' meant 'engraver' or 'mark.'

'kharaktēr' transformed into the Latin word 'character,' and eventually became the modern English word 'characterize' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to engrave or mark,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to describe the distinctive nature or features of something.'