'characteristic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'kharaktēr,' where 'kharaktēr' meant 'a mark or distinctive quality.' 'centered' comes from Latin 'centrum,' meaning 'center.'

'characteristic' evolved from the Greek 'kharaktēr' through Latin 'characteristicus' and eventually became the modern English word 'characteristic.' 'centered' evolved from Latin 'centrum' through Old French 'centre' and Middle English 'centre.'

Initially, 'characteristic' meant 'a distinctive mark,' but over time it evolved to mean 'a distinguishing trait or quality.' 'Centered' has largely retained its meaning of 'being at the center or focus.'