characteristic

As nouns the difference between purpose and characteristic

is that purpose is an object to be reached; a target; an aim; a goal while characteristic is a distinguishable feature of a person or thing.

As a verb purpose

is have set as one's purpose; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.

As an adjective characteristic is

being a distinguishing feature of a person or thing.

As nouns the difference between background and characteristic

is that background is one's social heritage; what one did in the past/previously while characteristic is a distinguishable feature of a person or thing.

As a verb background

is to put in a position that is not prominent.

As an adjective characteristic is

being a distinguishing feature of a person or thing.

As nouns the difference between composition and characteristic

is that composition is the proportion of different parts to make a whole while characteristic is a distinguishable feature of a person or thing.

As an adjective characteristic is

being a distinguishing feature of a person or thing.

As nouns the difference between shape and characteristic

is that shape is the status or condition of something while characteristic is a distinguishable feature of a person or thing.

As a verb shape

is to give something a shape and definition.

As an adjective characteristic is

being a distinguishing feature of a person or thing.