'characteristic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'kharaktēr,' where 'kharaktēr' meant 'a mark or symbol.' 'Oriented' comes from Latin 'orientare,' meaning 'to arrange or align.'

'characteristic' evolved from the Greek 'kharaktēr' through Latin 'characteristicus' and eventually became the modern English word 'characteristic.' 'Oriented' transformed from Latin 'orientare' through Old French 'orienter' and became the modern English 'oriented.'

Initially, 'characteristic' meant 'a mark or symbol,' but over time it evolved to mean 'a distinguishing trait or quality.' 'Oriented' has largely retained its original meaning of 'aligned or directed towards.'