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.
The candidate was lacking in charisma. His success is largely due to his charisma.
Recent Examples on the WebMore often than not, this guru gives them a convenient scapegoat for their problems, telling them that the issue isn’t their lack of looks or money or empathy or talent or charisma, but women and/or minority groups and/or the liberal media. Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2022 Friday night’s set proved Decker has the two things needed for success: natural musical talent and contagious onstage charisma.Journal Sentinel, 2 July 2022 Talent, charisma, business acumen and market conditions must align just right. Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 19 May 2022 Regular Guy hero blessed with his movie-star charisma (and an explanatory Trump Pass), or by picking apart the guy's red-state flaws from a blue-state perspective. Jesse Hassenger, The Week, 28 July 2021 Known for her natural onscreen charisma (and that signature frown), Pugh is one of the best actresses working today. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 11 Aug. 2022 But Olyphant’s radiating charisma and ease at playing a Wild West gunslinger are on full display in both the cold open and the later showdown with Cad. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 2 Feb. 2022 So many elements of Jean’s natural charisma translated into Deborah’s stage performance. Scott Huver, Variety, 14 Aug. 2022 Regarded by some of his colleagues as a turgid, finger-wagging figure of limited charisma, Zawahiri saw his relevance in the firmament of global Islamist radicalism fade during the past decade. Steve Coll, The New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Greek, favor, gift, from charizesthai to favor, from charis grace; akin to Greek chairein to rejoice — more at yearn