Verb: When used as a verb, "characterize" means to describe the distinctive qualities or features of something.
* Example: "The artist's work is characterized by its vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes."
Noun: When used as a noun, "characterize" refers to a distinctive feature or trait. This usage is less common.
* Example: "The writer's use of symbolism is one of the characterizations that makes her work unique."
It's important to consider the context to determine the correct part of speech for "characterize."