charisma

noun

cha·​ris·​ma kə-ˈriz-mə How to pronounce charisma (audio)
1
: a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure (such as a political leader)
His success was largely due to his charisma.
2
: a special magnetic charm or appeal
the charisma of a popular actor

Did you know?

The Greek word charisma means "favor" or "gift." It comes from the verb charizesthai ("to favor"), which in turn comes from the noun charis, meaning "grace." In English, charisma was originally used in Christian contexts to refer to a gift or power bestowed upon an individual by the Holy Spirit for the good of the Church—a sense that is now very rare. These days, we use the word to refer to social, rather than divine, grace. For instance, a leader with charisma may easily gain popular support, and a job applicant with charisma may shine in an interview.

Examples of charisma in a Sentence

The candidate was lacking in charisma. His success is largely due to his charisma.
Recent Examples on the Web The refuse, fastidiously — almost lyrically — arranged, took on the quiet charisma of a disgraced outlaw. Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 The bones of her songs stood out, as did her charisma. Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 Thanks to Stone’s abundant charisma, Cruella marks one of the more memorable Disney remakes — chaotic, campy, and just plain fun. Shania Russell, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2024 Haq, on the other hand, manages to deliver a period-appropriate performance reminiscent of classic Bollywood, channeling Khanna’s poise and charisma. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 10 Mar. 2024 The walled hill town still exudes the same charisma that caught Queen Isabel's eye in the 13th century (thus prompting her husband to just gift it to her). Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2024 The perfect vehicle for Halle Berry's sultry-sweet charisma, Ginger's less femme fatale than femme mystérieuse. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 There’s the doomed romance between a fledgling novelist named Clifford Bradshaw and a young singer of supreme charisma (and mediocre talent) named Sally Bowles. Adrienne Miller, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2024 The pair’s westerns—including The Legend of Black Charley, a 1972 film whose original title, like those of its two sequels, contains a racial slur—were powered by Williamson’s charisma and the scripts’ modern dialogue. Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'charisma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek, favor, gift, from charizesthai to favor, from charis grace; akin to Greek chairein to rejoice — more at yearn

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of charisma was in 1930

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Cite this Entry

“Charisma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charisma. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

charisma

noun
cha·​ris·​ma kə-ˈriz-mə How to pronounce charisma (audio)
: a special charm or public appeal

More from Merriam-Webster on charisma

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