Character vs Personality
What’s the difference between them?
Character
Meaning:
The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
Examples:
1. She has a great sense of humor and a strong character.
2. I love the complex characters in the movie.
3. His character is unquestioned by his colleagues.
Personality
Meaning:
The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's difference.
Examples:
1. Her bubbly personality made her a great addition to the team.
2. His outgoing personality helped him make new friends quickly.
3. His vibrant personality is his most attractive quality.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Character
1. Persona
2. Nature
3. Temperament
4. Archetype
5. Reputation
1. Weakness
2. Opposite
3. Imperfection
4. Dishonesty
5. Conflictual Relationship
Personality
1. Temperament
2. Disposition
3. Character
4. Demeanor
5. Outlook on life
1. Facelessness
2. Uncharisma
3. Characterless
4. Blandness
5. Spiritlessness
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Character", "Personality".
1. Character refers to the moral qualities that one has or acquires throughout their life, whereas personality refers to the combination of qualities and traits that make up one's uniqueness.
2. Character is often used to refer to the internal values and convictions that one may have, while personality is often used to define the external aspects that define an individual.
3. Character is usually associated with ethical qualities such as honesty, kindness, courage, and integrity, while personality is usually associated with aspects such as appearance, behavior, attitude, and habits.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
The word 'character' is typically used to refer to the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual, such as their values, beliefs, and behavior. It can be used to refer to a fictional character in a story, or to someone who is real.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The word 'personality' is typically used to refer to the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's unique difference. It is used to describe someone's outwardly visible traits, such as their habits, attitudes, and behavior.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. The word 'character' is pronounced with a long 'a' sound ('kar-ik-ter') while the word 'personality' is pronounced with a short 'a' sound ('per-suh-nahl-uh-tee').
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake is to use the word 'character' when referring to someone’s personality. Another mistake is to use the word 'personality' when referring to a fictional character in a story. Additionally, people may confuse the pronunciations of the two words.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Many people believe that ones handwriting can reveal a lot about their _____.
2. The protagonist in the story has a strong _____, always standing up for whats right.
3. Her sunny _____ makes her popular in social gatherings.
4. The _____ of the town is influenced by its history and the people who live there.
5. He has a charming _____ that wins over everyone he meets.
6. Ones moral values and beliefs play a significant role in shaping their _____.
1. Personality
Explanation: The sentence refers to the overall combination of characteristics or qualities of an individual that might be discerned from handwriting. Therefore, personality is a better fit.
2. Character
Explanation: This sentence highlights the moral values and qualities of the protagonist. The term character is more appropriate in this context to represent ones moral compass and integrity.
3. Personality
Explanation: Here, the sentence talks about the aggregate of characteristics that make the person popular in social situations. Hence, personality, which refers to the combination of qualities, is the correct choice.
4. Character
Explanation: In this context, the sentence describes the distinctive qualities and nature of the town, much like the moral and mental qualities of a person. Thus, character is the apt choice.
5. Personality
Explanation: The reference is to the individuals set of qualities and characteristics that appeal to others. This aligns with the definition of personality.
6. Character
Explanation: The sentence emphasizes moral values and beliefs, which are directly tied to ones character, or the mental and moral qualities that define an individual.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.