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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary

Attributes vs. characteristics

Hi,

I wonder what is a difference between the two words in subject. Are they not the same?

I am translating a text and this sentence has both words:
"We may each have different ideas on the nature and characteristics, the form and attributes of God."

thanks,
Jirka
  

Top answer

'Attributes' often have to do with the different 'powers' that something may have, where 'characteristics' are more descriptive features, but you are right, their meanings are often synonymous. Here, all 4 words overlap in meaning, and they are no doubt used to make the writer's point quite clear.

— Mister Micawber

  • 'Attributes' often have to do with the different 'powers' that something may have, where 'characteristics' are more descriptive features, but you are right, their meanings are often synonymous.
  • Here, all 4 words overlap in meaning, and they are no doubt used to make the writer's point quite clear.
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7 Answers
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'Attributes' often have to do with the different 'powers' that something may have, where 'characteristics' are more descriptive features, but you are right, their meanings are often synonymous. Here, all 4 words overlap in meaning, and they are no doubt used to make the writer's point quite clear.
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Thanks, can you spare an example please?

Lets take ***, would his ability to cause thunderstorms or give sight to a blind person be called attributes, while his mercy and love would be called characteristics? Am I getting this right?

thanks,
Jirka
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As I think of it, those are all attributes; a characteristic would be his oneness, his ubiquity, etc. But as I said, the words overlap heavily in meaning.
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ok thanks, please mark this answered, i dont see that option anywhere probably due to my anonymous status.

thanks,
Jirka
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I don't think we should do that, Jirka. Someone else may well have a brighter idea than mine.
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Hi

In my opinion characteristic is something that can be used to identify, diversify or classify someone or something, for example it could be a Social security number, an email address etc.
An attribute is something more generic that describes in more detail the subject.

Thanks

George
Makedonia-Greece
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Sorry but the phrase "an attribute is something more generic that describes in detail the subject" is a contradiction of the first order. Something that is "generic" is hardly considered to be something that gives "detail" to another subject.

Typically in Theology an attribute is regarded (Aristotle's accidental predicates) as something that we (ascribe or attribute) to the being
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