charisma

Everyday

1. A special charm and confidence that makes people like, notice and follow someone. tree →
2. (church) In some churches, a spiritual gift (charism) that Christians believe is given by the Holy Spirit. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and news it describes leaders, actors and singers who draw people in. In stories it tells the reader a character is magnetic and persuasive. Children use «rizz» in slang for a similar idea about charm. In church talk, «charismatic» churches stress spiritual gifts like lively praise.

Examples

• The new class captain has lots of charisma. tree →
• Good leaders often have charisma. tree →
• The singer's charisma filled the whole stadium. tree →
• He was not handsome, but he had charisma. tree →
• Charisma helped her win the election. tree →
• Some people mistake charisma for being kind. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «charisma», not «a charisma». Adjective: charismatic. Said «kuh-RIZ-muh» (the ch sounds like k). Trap: charisma does not mean someone is good or honest; persuasive people can mislead too.