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Glite Dictionary
to add character

to add character

1 3.5
To make a place or thing look more interesting and special
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : añadir carácter
  • Wrinkles add character.

Examples

  • Adding bright colors to your home decor can add character and make the space feel more inviting.

  • Lighting the dark areas at night utilizing colored fluorescents adds character and flavor to your patio.

    Blog text (17)

  • " Oddities add character, and that's something we have always taken into consideration.

    Fiction book (1996)

  • Whereas vintage furniture and accessories have traditionally been seen as a fairly inexpensive way to add character to an interior, the vintage market has evolved to reflect people's increasing discernment as to what they're buying.

    Blog text (26)

  • Many unique sculptures in the garden add character to the overall landscape design.

  • Vintage furniture can really add character to a modern living room, making it look more stylish.

Synonyms

to embellish
vsto add character
10 6.3

To make something more beautiful by adding decorative details

is broader, also changes style or feeling to add distinctiveness
to ornament
vsto add character
4 3.7

To add decorations to something to make it look nicer

is less about adding objects and more about changing style
to fancify
vsto add character
  • Informal
7.7

Make something look more attractive by adding decorations

is milder, aiming for distinctiveness rather than overt showiness

Antonyms

to simplify
99 2.5

Make something easier to understand or use

How Distinctive

to transform
523 3.4
to add character
1 3.5
to personalize
  • US
75 4.0
to decorate
226 1.9

Surface Forms

add character infinitive
added character past
added character past participle
adding character present participle
adds character third person singular

Morphology

add + character

The meaning 'to make something more interesting or distinctive' is directly derivable from combining 'add' (to put in/insert) with 'character' (distinctive features or individual nature). This compositional, literal pattern is common in English and other languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words should be able to understand the MWE.

Etymology

Add character comes from thinking of a place or thing as if it were a person: to add small details is to give it more character, a special look or personality. That's why it means 'to make something more interesting or different'.