charisma
noun
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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
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2025
Gray, much like his music, connects with people and has a sense of charisma.
—Lisa Kocay, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The mirth carries with it an undercurrent of Tyla’s particular brand of charisma.
—Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
Whatever word comes to mind — aura, presence, stature, charisma — Fonseca, 18, exudes it.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for charisma
Cite this Entry
“Charisma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charisma. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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charisma
noun
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